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"Lucir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to shine", and "aparecer" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to appear". Learn more about the difference between "lucir" and "aparecer" below.
lucir(
loo
-
seer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to shine
Las estrellas lucen más en el bosque que en la ciudad.The stars shine more in the woods than in the city.
2. (to appear) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to look good
Llegó al baile luciendo en su nuevo vestido.She arrived at the dance looking good in her new dress.
a. to show
Tengo diez horas trabajando en este proyecto. - ¿De verdad? Pues, no luce.I've been working on this project for ten hours. - Really? It doesn't show.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
6. (to display)
lucirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to make a fool of oneself
De verdad que te luciste ayer en la fiesta.You really made a fool of yourself yesterday at the party.
aparecer(
ah
-
pah
-
reh
-
sehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to arrive)
a. to appear
Este tipo de flor apareció aquí en nuestra ciudad por primera vez el año pasadoThis type of flower appeared here in our city for the first time last year.
c. to show up
Juan y sus amigos aparecieron casi al final de la fiesta.Juan and his friends showed up nearly at the end of the party.
a. to come out
Mi artículo aparecerá en esa revista el mes que viene.My article will come out in that magazine next month.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
aparecerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to arrive at or in; used with "en") (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
b. to turn up
Mi hermana se apareció en mi casa de sorpresa.My sister turned up at my house unannounced.
c. to show up
Mi ex se apareció en mi oficina sin avisar.My ex showed up at my office without any warning.
