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"Impedir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prevent", and "estorbar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to get in the way of". Learn more about the difference between "impedir" and "estorbar" below.
impedir(
eem
-
peh
-
deerr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to prevent
El gorila impide que entre cualquiera al bar.The bouncer prevents just anyone from entering the bar.
a. to hinder
Django tenía los dedos anular y meñique paralizados, pero esto no le impidió tocar la guitarra.Django's ring and little fingers were paralyzed, but it didn't hinder his ability to play the guitar.
a. to block
Esa maleta gigante en el pasillo está impidiendo el paso.That giant suitcase in the hallway is blocking the way.
estorbar(
ehs
-
tohr
-
bahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to impede)
a. to get in the way of
El camión de la basura estorba la entrada al club cada mañana.The trash truck gets in the way of the club entrance every morning.
b. to be in the way of
La escalera que hay en mitad del pasillo estorba el paso de la gente.The ladder in the middle of the hall is in the way of people who want to get by.
c. to obstruct
Hay unas vacas que están estorbando la circulación en la carretera.There are some cows obstructing traffic on the highway.
d. to hinder
Lo único que hace Gloria en las juntas es estorbar nuestro avance.The only thing Gloria does at the meetings is hinder our progress.
2. (to disturb)
a. to bother
Ya le he dicho mil veces al vecino que su música tan alta me estorba.I've already told my neighbor hundreds of times that his loud music bothers me.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to impede)
a. to be in the way
¿Estoy estorbando? - No, ahí estás bien.Am I in the way? - No, you're fine there.
b. to get in the way
Dime dónde puedo poner las cajas para que no estorben.Tell me where I can put the boxes so they won't get in the way.
