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"Invertir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to invest", and "arriesgar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to risk". Learn more about the difference between "invertir" and "arriesgar" below.
invertir(
een
-
behr
-
teer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (finance)
a. to invest
Ya te dije que no era buena idea invertir nuestros ahorros en acciones.I told you it wasn't a good idea to invest our savings in stock.
a. to invest
Es importante invertir tiempo de calidad con tus hijos.It's important to invest quality time with your children.
b. to put
Invertí mucho esfuerzo en este proyecto. Tiene que funcionar.I put a lot of effort into this project. It has to work.
c. to devote
Si invirtieras la mitad del tiempo que pasas con tu novia en estudiar, tendrías excelentes calificaciones.If you devoted half the time you spend with your girlfriend to studying, you'd have excellent grades.
d. to spend
Hernán invierte una hora al día en hacer ejercicios.Hernan spends an hour a day exercising.
a. to reverse
Ojalá pudiera invertir la situación y recuperar mi trabajo.I wish I could reverse the situation and get my job back.
c. to turn upside down
Tienes que invertir la mesa para poder pintar la parte de debajo.You need to turn the table upside down to paint the bottom of it.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
invertirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be reversed
Al invertirse la tendencia económica, la gente dejó de comprar coches.When the economic trend was reversed, people stopped buying cars.
arriesgar(
ah
-
rryehs
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to risk
Arriesgas tu vida cada vez que usas tu teléfono celular mientras manejas.You risk your life every time you use your cell phone while driving.
b. to endanger
No haremos nada que pueda arriesgar la seguridad de su familia.We won't do anything that could endanger the safety of your family.
arriesgarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to risk
El se arriesgó a perder su trabajo cuando rehusó trabajar horas extras.He risked losing his job when he refused to work extra time.
b. to take a risk
No cuentes con Sonia. Ella nunca se arriesga.I wouldn't count on Sonia. She never takes a risk.
c. to take a chance
Es bueno arriesgarse y probar cosas nuevas de vez en cuando.It is good to take a chance and try something new once in a while.
