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"Hacer la tarea" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to do one's homework", and "preparar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prepare". Learn more about the difference between "hacer la tarea" and "preparar" below.
hacer la tarea(
ah
-
sehr
lah
tah
-
reh
-
ah
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. to do one's homework
¿Puedo salir a jugar? - Bueno, eso depende. ¿Ya hiciste la tarea de mate?Can I go out and play? - Well, that depends. Did you do your math homework?
Tienes que hacer la tarea de español en cuanto llegues del colegio.You have to do your Spanish homework as soon as you get home from school.
preparar(
preh
-
pah
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to prepare
Prepara las cosas para la excursión la noche anterior para que no se te olvide nada.Prepare your things for the trip the night before so you don't forget anything.
a. to prepare
Hicimos lo que pudimos para preparar a nuestros hijos para la vida.We did what we could to prepare our children for life.
prepararse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
4. (to study)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
5. (to groom)
a. to get ready
Me estoy preparando para la fiesta de esta noche.I'm getting ready for a party tonight.
