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"Originar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cause", and "nacer" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be born". Learn more about the difference between "originar" and "nacer" below.
originar(
oh
-
ree
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hee
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nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to cause
Una chispa en el circuito eléctrico originó el incendio en el edificio.A spark in the electronic circuit caused the fire in the building.
b. to give rise to
Estoy leyendo la novela que originó la película.I'm reading the novel that gave rise to the movie.
originarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to originate
El fascismo se originó en Italia como respuesta al marxismo.Fascism originated in Italy as a response to Marxism.
b. to start
Los disturbios se originaron en las afueras de la ciudad y continuaron hacia el centro.The riot started in the outskirts of the city and moved downtown.
nacer(
nah
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sehr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (to develop)
4. (to arise)
a. to grow
De ese encuentro, nació una bonita amistad.From that meeting, a beautiful friendship grew.
5. (astronomy)