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"Marcar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to mark", and "pulsar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to press". Learn more about the difference between "marcar" and "pulsar" below.
marcar(
mahr
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to mark
Marca la respuesta que consideres correcta.Mark the response that you consider to be correct.
2. (to show)
b. to mark
El letrero marca dónde se puede estacionar en la calle.The sign marks where you can park on the street.
4. (colloquial) (telecommunications) (Colombia) (Mexico)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Mexico
5. (sports)
a. to score (points, goals)
Mi jugador favorito marcó tres goles ayer.My favorite player scored three goals yesterday.
b. to cover (another player)
Tengo que marcar al jugador más rápido de su equipo.I have to cover the fastest player on their team.
marcarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to show
Este vestido es tan apretado que se me marca la ropa interior.This dress is so tight my underwear shows.
b. to stand out
Cuando levanta pesas se le marcan rápidamente los músculos.When she lifts weights, her muscles quickly stand out.
pulsar(
pool
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (computing)
3. (music)
a. to pluck
Usa el pulgar para pulsar los bordones de la guitarra.Use your thumb to pluck the low strings of the guitar.
4. (to assess)
a. to gauge
Se realizaron varias encuestas para pulsar la opinión pública sobre el tema.Several surveys were conducted to gauge public opinion on the subject.
b. to sound out
Me gustaría pulsar las preferencias de los empleados antes de reservar un sitio para la fiesta de la oficina.I'd like to be able to sound out staff preferences before booking anywhere for the office party.
a. to take someone's pulse
Primero que nada pulsen al paciente.First of all, take the patient's pulse.
b. to check someone's pulse
Después de poner al paciente en posición de recuperación, coloque las yemas de los dedos en su muñeca para pulsarlo.After putting the patient in the recovery position, put your fingertips on their wrist to check their pulse.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
6. (to beat)
a. to pulsate
El corazón le pulsaba aceleradamente en el pecho.His heart was pulsating rapidly in his chest.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
