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"Leer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to read", and "creer" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to believe". Learn more about the difference between "leer" and "creer" below.
leer(
leh
-
ehr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to read
Deberías leer las obras completas de Shakespeare.You should read the complete works of Shakespeare.
a. to read
A ese jugador de póker es imposible leerle la cara.It's impossible to read that poker player's face.
a. to read
Se produjo un error al leer el documento.An error occurred while reading the document.
a. to defend
Leyó su tesis doctoral frente a un panel de profesores.She defended her doctoral thesis in front of a panel of professors.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to read
Leo antes de acostarme para relajarme.I read before going to bed to relax.
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creer(
kreh
-
ehr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to believe
Creo en un ser superior.I believe in a supreme being.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to think
Creo que podría estar enfermo.I think he might be sick.
a. to believe
Nadie me cree.No one believes me.
creerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to believe
No me creo mejor que tú.I don't believe that I am better than you.
b. to think
¿Te crees tan guapo?You think you're so good-looking?
a. to believe
¿Pero tú piensas que se lo cree en serio?Do you think she really believes that?
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