vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Hervir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to boil", and "bullir" is an intransitive verb which is also often translated as "to boil". Learn more about the difference between "hervir" and "bullir" below.
hervir(
ehr
-
beer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to scald)
2. (to get hot)
a. to boil
Cuando entro a mi carro en el verano, está hirviendo.When I get into my car in the summer, it's boiling.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
4. (to scald)
a. to boil
Se me olvidó hervir los huevos para el aperitivo.I forgot to boil the eggs for the appetizer.
bullir(
boo
-
yeer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to seethe (literary)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
El mar comenzó a bullir y el bote se sacudía violentamente.The sea began to seethe and the boat lurched violently.
5. (figurative) (to be upset)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to seethe (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
Lucas bullía de enfado porque sus padres no lo dejaron ir al concierto.Lucas was seething with anger because his parents didn't let him go to the concert.
