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"Merezcan" is a form of "merecer", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to deserve". "Acaten" is a form of "acatar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to comply with". Learn more about the difference between "merezcan" and "acaten" below.
merecer(
meh
-
reh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to merit)
a. to deserve
¿Crees que el supuesto OVNI que vieron merezca una investigación?Do you think the supposed UFO they saw deserves to be looked into?
b. to be worth
¿De verdad merece la pena manejar dos horas para ahorrar dos dólares?Is it really worth driving two hours to save two dollars?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to be deserving
El padre de nuestra iglesia sí merece.The pastor at our church is very deserving.
merecerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to merit)
acatar(
ah
-
kah
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to comply with
Tenemos que acatar la decisión del juez.We have to comply with the judge's decision.
b. to respect
Cada gobierno estatal deberá acatar las reglas de la federación.Each state government shall respect the rules of the federation.
c. to obey
Eres soldado, y por eso debes acatar las órdenes del general.You're a soldier, and therefore you must obey the general's orders.
