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"Mostró" is a form of "mostrar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to show". "Reflejaban" is a form of "reflejar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to reflect". Learn more about the difference between "mostró" and "reflejaban" below.
mostrar(
mohs
-
trahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to exhibit)
a. to show
¿Oíste que están mostrando la nueva película en IMAX?Did you hear that they're showing the new movie at the IMAX?
b. to display
Los vendedores en la feria muestran sus mercancías al público.The vendors at the fair display their wares to the public.
mostrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to appear)
reflejar(
rreh
-
fleh
-
hahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (physics)
a. to reflect
Las aguas quietas del estanque reflejaban perfectamente la figura del obelisco.The still waters of the pond reflected the form of the obelisk perfectly.
2. (figurative) (to demonstrate)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to reflect (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
Las malas notas que obtuviste en en el colegio reflejan tu falta de esfuerzo.The bad grades you obtained at school reflect your lack of effort.
reflejarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (physics)
a. to be reflected
Debes cambiar el ángulo del espejo para que la imagen pueda reflejarse en él.You need to change the angle of the mirror so that the image can be reflected in it.
4. (figurative) (to be evident)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. to be written
La tristeza que Mercedes siente se refleja en sus ojos.The sadness Mercedes feels is written in her eyes.
b. to show
La buena crianza de los niños se refleja en la manera en que se dirigen a los ancianos.The children's good upbringing shows in the way they speak to the elderly.
c. to be reflected
La calidad del servicio de este hotel no se refleja en la cantidad de estrellas que tiene.The quality of the service at this hotel is not reflected by the number of stars it has.
