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"Mirarse en el espejo" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to look at oneself in the mirror", and "lavarse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to wash". Learn more about the difference between "mirarse en el espejo" and "lavarse" below.
mirarse en el espejo(
mee
-
rahr
-
seh
ehn
ehl
ehs
-
peh
-
hoh
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. to look at oneself in the mirror
Antes de salir, se miró en el espejo.Before leaving, she looked at herself in the mirror.
b. to look in the mirror
When he looked in the mirror, he frowned.Cuando se miró en el espejo, frunció el ceño.
lavarse(
lah
-
bahr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to wash
¡Lávate bien! Vienes muy sucio del partido.Wash properly! You're really dirty from the game.
Lávate bien las manos antes de tocarte los ojos.Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
lavar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to clean)
a. to wash
Tienes que lavar la fruta antes de comértela.You need to wash the fruit before eating it.
b. to launder (clothes, linens)
¿Quieres que te lave esta camisa?Do you want me to launder this shirt for you?
