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"Ignorar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to not know", and "desconocer" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to not know". Learn more about the difference between "ignorar" and "desconocer" below.
ignorar(
eeg
-
noh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to not know
Ignoraba que nuestros hijos fueran a la misma clase.I didn't know that our children were in the same class.
b. to be ignorant of
Puede ser que el ministro ignore ciertos hechos.It may be that the minister is ignorant of certain facts.
c. to be unaware
Mi hermano ignora que le preparamos una fiesta sorpresa por su cumpleaños.My brother is unaware that we are preparing a surprise birthday party for him.
d. to have no idea
Julia ignoraba por completo que estaba embarazada.Julia had absolutely no idea that she was pregnant.
Qué hace Marta en este grupo, lo ignoro por completo.What Marta is doing in this group I have no idea.
a. to ignore
Mi hermano estaba enojado conmigo y me ignoró durante toda la comida.My brother was angry with me and ignored me throughout the meal.
desconocer(
dehs
-
koh
-
noh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to not know
Para los que desconocen a estos pintores, la exposición ofrece una oportunidad única.For those who don't know these painters, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity.
a. to not recognize
Desconocí a tu mamá el día que me la encontré en el súper.I didn't recognize your mom the day I saw her in the supermarket.
a. to disown
El miedo empujó al testigo a desconocer la declaración que había hecho en el juicio.Fear pushed the witness into disowning his statement in the trial.
a. to ignore
Los motivos que lo orillaron al crimen no deben desconocerse.The reasons that led him to commit the crime should not be ignored.
