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"Manejar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to handle", and "conducir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to lead". Learn more about the difference between "manejar" and "conducir" below.
manejar(
mah
-
neh
-
hahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to handle
Un cajero de casino maneja mucho dinero.A casino cashier handles a lot of money.
b. to use
Hay que saber cómo manejar los datos para sacarles máximo provecho.You need to know how to use the data to get the most out of it.
c. to operate
¿Has aprendido a manejar la nueva maquinaria?Have you learned how to operate the new machinery?
a. to handle
Hay que manejar la situación con mucho tacto.We need to handle the situation very tactfully.
a. to run
Un conglomerado extranjero ha manejado la empresa desde enero.A foreign conglomerate has run the company since January.
b. to manage
Me contrataron para manejar la bodega.They hired me to manage the warehouse.
a. to manipulate
El director de la empresa maneja a sus empleados como quiere.The company director manipulates his staff at will.
5. (automobile)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to drive
Mi padre me deja manejar su carro los fines de semana.My dad lets me drive his car on weekends.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
6. (automobile)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to drive
Voy a aprender a manejar este verano.I'm going to learn to drive this summer.
manejarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to get by
Se maneja muy bien en chino y ruso.She gets by very well in Chinese and Russian.
b. to manage
Se maneja perfectamente en su nuevo empleo.She's managing perfectly well in her new job.
a. to behave
Los niños se manejaron muy bien en la excursión.The children behaved really well on the field trip.
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conducir(
kohn
-
doo
-
seer
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to lead
Este pasillo conduce a la salida de emergencia.This aisle leads to the emergency exit.
a. to carry
Las tuberías conducen el gas natural desde los depósitos de gas.The pipelines carry natural gas from gas wells.
a. to run
Mi jefe está conduciendo operaciones ilegales.My boss is running illegal operations.
a. to lead
Este negocio te conducirá al éxito.This business will lead you to success.
b. to drive
No está claro qué los condujo a esa decisión.It's not clear what drove them to that decision.
a. to drive
Mi novio conduce un Audi.My boyfriend drives an Audi.
a. to host
¿Ya anunciaron quién va a conducir la nueva temporada del concurso?Have they announced who will be hosting the new season of the game show?
b. to present
Creo que van a nombrar una mujer para conducir el programa de deportes.I think they're going to appoint a woman to present the sports program.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to drive
En Irlanda, la gente conduce por el lado izquierdo de la carretera.In Ireland, people drive on the left-hand side of the road.
conducirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to behave
Últimamente se conduce de manera extraña.He has been behaving strangely lately.
b. to conduct oneself
Parece que Sergio no sabe conducirse en situaciones formales.It seems Sergio doesn't know how to conduct himself in formal situations.
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