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"Mecer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to rock", and "balancear" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to swing". Learn more about the difference between "mecer" and "balancear" below.
mecer(
meh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to rock (in a chair or crib)
Mecer suavemente al bebé lo reconforta y le ayuda a eliminar los gases.Gently rocking the baby will calm him and help him pass gas.
b. to swing (in a hammock or swing)
¿Meces un ratito mi hamaca a ver si me puedo dormir?Would you swing my hammock for a little while to see if I can get to sleep?
c. to shake
El huracán meció las palmeras de un lado al otro.The hurricane shook the palm trees back and forth.
mecerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to swing
Cuando era niña, solía venir a este parque a mecerme en los columpios.When I was a little girl, I used to come to this park to swing on the swing set.
b. to rock
Mi abuela se pasa las tardes en la terraza meciéndose en su mecedora.Mi grandmother spends the afternoons on the front porch rocking in her rocking chair.
c. to sway
Las ramas del cerezo se mecen suavemente con la brisa.The branches of the cherry tree are swaying lightly in the breeze.
balancear(
bah
-
lahn
-
seh
-
ahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to balance
El mesero balanceó su bandeja y se dirigió a nuestra mesa.The waiter balanced his tray and came toward our table.
balancearse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to rock
Mi abuela se balanceaba en su mecedora mientras tejía la bufanda de lana.My grandmother rocked in her rocking chair as she knitted the wool scarf.
c. to roll (ship or plane)
El barco siguió balanceándose entre las olas y empecé a marearme.The boat kept rolling on the waves, and I started to feel seasick.
