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"Impactar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to hit", and "afectar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to affect". Learn more about the difference between "impactar" and "afectar" below.
impactar(
eem
-
pahk
-
tahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to hit
Esta marca de aquí confirma que una de las balas impactó en la pared.This mark here confirms that one of the bullets hit the wall.
b. to crash against
Un meteorito impactó contra la Tierra hace millones de años, formando este cráter que vemos ahora.A meteorite crashed against the earth millions of years ago, forming this crater we see now.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to hit
Tras impactar el poste, el balón entró en la portería.After hitting the post, the football bounced in.
b. to crash against
El vehículo impactó la valla en este punto y salió despedido hacia el centro de la calzada.The vehicle crashed against the fence right at this point, and then flew off to the center of the road.
a. to affect
Las devastadoras imágenes mostradas en televisión impactaron a muchos telespectadores.The devastating images shown on TV affected many viewers.
b. to have an impact on
Sus fotografías me impactaron profundamente por su belleza y realismo.Her photos had a profound impact on me because of their beauty and realism.
afectar(
ah
-
fehk
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to affect
Políticas de esa índole afectarán negativamente el desempeño de nuestras acciones.Such policies will affect negatively the performance of our stocks.
2. (to afflict)
a. to affect
La muerte de su esposo la afectó profundamente.The death of her husband affected her profoundly.
b. to sadden
Me afectaron mucho sus palabras y me eché a llorar.Her words saddened me deeply, and I started crying.
c. to upset
La traición de su aliado no lo afectó en nada.His ally's betrayal didn't upset him at all.
a. to concern
Lo que están discutiendo a ti no te afecta.What they're discussing doesn't concern you.
4. (to pretend)
5. (legal)
a. to encumber
El comprador no tiene derecho a afectar los bienes enviados por el vendedor.The buyer is not entitled to encumber goods delivered by the supplier.
afectarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be affected
No va a afectarse porque no siente compasión ni piedad.He is not going to be affected because he has no compassion or mercy.
