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"Llamar la atención" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to call attention to", and "destacar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to emphasize". Learn more about the difference between "llamar la atención" and "destacar" below.
llamar la atención(
yah
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mahr
lah
ah
-
tehn
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syohn
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to call attention to
Nuestra misión radica en llamar la atención a la necesidad de salvar la brecha entre la ciencia y la sociedad.Our mission is to call attention to the need to bridge the gap between science and society.
El congreso ofrece una oportunidad de llamar la atención sobre una cuestión largamente olvidada.This conference is an opportunity to call attention to a long neglected issue.
a. to reprimand
Si sigue así voy a tener que llamarle la atención.If she carries on like that, I'm going to have to reprimand her.
b. to caution (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El gerente le llamó la atención a Juan por llegar tarde todos los días.The manager cautioned Juan for being late for work every day.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. to call attention to oneself
Lisa es una adolescente tratando de llamar la atención.Lisa is an adolescent trying to call attention to herself.
b. to attract attention to oneself
Soy una persona muy discreta. No me gusta llamar la atención.I'm a very discreet person. I don't like to attract attention to myself.
c. to attract attention
No hables tan alto. Estás llamando la atención.Don't talk so loud. You're attracting attention.
d. to draw attention to oneself
Jorge lleva siempre ropa tan llamativa porque le gusta llamar la atención.Jorge always wears such flashy clothes because he likes to draw attention to himself.
a. to strike one's attention
Al mirar el cuadro, lo primero que llama la atención es la forma roja que está a la izquierda.When you look at the painting, what strikes your attention first is the red shape on the left.
b. to catch one's attention
Si un artista callejero me llama la atención, le dejo dinero.If a street artist catches my attention, I give them money.
c. to stand out
Su actuación llama la atención por la naturalidad.Her performance stands out for its naturalness.
d. to struck
Me llamó la atención la amabilidad de la gente en este pueblo.The friendliness of the people in this town struck me.
destacar(
dehs
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tah
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kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to emphasize
Hay que destacar la importancia de asistir a clase para aprobar la materia.We've got to emphasize the importance of attending class to pass the subject.
b. to emphasise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El presidente destacó su compromiso con el cambio.The president emphasised his commitment to change.
c. to stress
El artículo destaca las diferencias entre un abordaje teórico y uno práctico.The article stresses the differences between a theoretical and a practical approach.
d. to highlight
Quisiera destacar el efecto de las medidas que se piensan tomar en los próximos días.I'd like to highlight the effects of the policies that they're planning to adopt in the next few days.
2. (to send)
a. to detail
Las tropas fueron destacadas para defender la frontera.The troops were detailed to defend the border.
b. to station
Rudi fue destacado a la Antártida el año pasado.Rudi was stationed in Antarctica last year.
c. to post
Tuvieron que destacar más guardias en los puestos fronterizos.They had to post more guards at border points.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
destacarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to stand out
Laura se destaca por sus habilidades artísticas.Laura stands out because of her artistic abilities.
b. to be outlined
En el cuadro, la punta del campanario se destaca contra la puesta del sol.In the picture, the tip of the bell tower is outlined against the sunset.
c. to be silhouetted
La luna roja se destacaba contra el cielo oscuro.The red moon was silhouetted against the dark sky.
