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"Negarse a" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to refuse to", and "negar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to deny". Learn more about the difference between "negarse a" and "negar" below.
negarse a(
neh
-
gahr
-
seh
ah
)A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
1. (general)
a. to refuse to
Mariana se niega a aceptar que necesita ayuda.Mariana refuses to admit that she needs help.
negar(
neh
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
negarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to refuse
Me niego a pagar cinco dólares de envío por algo que solo cuesta un dólar.I refuse to pay five dollars to ship something that only costs a dollar.
Rodolfo se niega a aceptar que la boda está cancelada.Rodolfo refuses to believe that the wedding is canceled.
