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"Leer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to read", and "traducir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to translate". Learn more about the difference between "leer" and "traducir" below.
leer(
leh
-
ehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
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.
3. (computing)
4. (education)
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.).
traducir(
trah
-
doo
-
seer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to translate
Este libro ha sido traducido a seis idiomas.This book has been translated into six languages.
2. (to convey)
a. to express
La obra traduce los sentimientos que experimenté.The work expresses the feelings I experienced.
traducirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to turn into
Sus esfuerzos no se tradujeron en resultados.Their efforts didn't turn into results.
b. to translate into
El éxito no siempre se traduce en riqueza.Success doesn't always translate into wealth.
c. to result in
La situación financiera actual fácilmente se podría traducir en más pérdidas de trabajo.The current financial situation could easily result in further job losses.
