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"Mirar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to look at", and "preparar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prepare". Learn more about the difference between "mirar" and "preparar" below.
mirar(
mee
-
rahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to look at
Hay un hombre mirándote.There is a man looking at you.
b. to watch (implies greater attention or time)
¡Deja de mirarme todo el tiempo! No estoy haciendo nada malo.Stop watching me all the time! I'm not doing anything wrong.
a. to be careful about
Mira mucho lo que come.She's very careful about what she eats.
b. to make sure
Mira que tengas todo el dinero en la cartera.Make sure you have all the money in your wallet.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to look
¡Mira! ¡Una estrella fugaz!Look! A shooting star!
El ladrón miró hacia atrás a ver si lo perseguían.The thief looked back to see if he was being followed.
a. to face
Mi habitación mira a la calle.My room faces the street.
mirarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to look at oneself
Narciso se miraba en el agua.Narcissus looked at himself in the water.
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
reciprocal verb
a. to look at each other
Los enamorados se miraron y declararon su amor.The lovers looked at each other and declared their love.
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preparar(
preh
-
pah
-
rahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to prepare
Prepara las cosas para la excursión la noche anterior para que no se te olvide nada.Prepare your things for the trip the night before so you don't forget anything.
a. to prepare
Hicimos lo que pudimos para preparar a nuestros hijos para la vida.We did what we could to prepare our children for life.
a. to make
Voy a preparar el postre favorito de mi hija.I'm going to make my daughter's favorite dessert.
b. to throw
Estoy preparando una gran fiesta para tu regreso.I'm throwing a big party for your return.
prepararse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to prepare
Me he estado preparando para un examen.I've been preparing for an exam.
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to get ready
Me estoy preparando para la fiesta de esta noche.I'm getting ready for a party tonight.
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