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"Mascar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to chew", and "masticar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to chew". Learn more about the difference between "mascar" and "masticar" below.
mascar(
mahs
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to munch)
a. to chew
Al oso panda le encanta mascar hojas de bambú.The panda bear loves chewing bamboo leaves.
mascarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
2. (colloquial) (to feel)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. to sense
En la comida familiar se mascaba la tensión entre los hermanos.One could sense tension among the brothers during the family meal.
masticar(
mahs
-
tee
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to munch)
b. to masticate (formal)
Los nativos mastican las hojas de coca para evitar el apunamiento.The natives masticate coca leaves to avoid altitude sickness.
