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"Lamer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to lick", and "lamber" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to lick". Learn more about the difference between "lamer" and "lamber" below.
lamer(
lah
-
mehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to lick
La niña se comió el helado de chocolate y luego lamió el plato.The little girl ate the chocolate ice cream and then licked the plate.
2. (literary) (to splash)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. to lap against
Las olas lamían la costa de arena blanca.The waves lapped against the white sand of the coast.
lamerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to lick oneself
El cachorro se lamía durante horas después de caerse al charco.The puppy licked himself for hours after falling into the puddle.
lamber(
lahm
-
behr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to pass the tongue over) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to lick
A los niños les gusta lamber los cucuruchos en verano.The children like licking ice cream cones in the summer.
2. (to flatter) (Bolivia) (Colombia) (Mexico)
Regionalism used in Bolivia
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Mexico
a. to suck up to (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Deja de lamber al profesor. Tus halagos no te ganarán una calificación más alta.Stop sucking up to the teacher. Your flattery won't earn you a higher grade.
b. to fawn on (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
La dependienta lambe a todas las clientas para convencerlas de que compren la ropa que se prueban.The clerk fawns on all the clients to convince them to buy the clothes they try on.
