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"Pensar en" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to think about", and "acordarse de" is a pronominal verb phrase which is often translated as "to remember to". Learn more about the difference between "pensar en" and "acordarse de" below.
pensar en(
pehn
-
sahr
ehn
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to think about
Luis se pasa todo el día pensando en su próximo viaje a los Estados Unidos.Luis spends the whole day thinking about his upcoming trip to the US.
b. to think of
¿Alguna vez pensaste en estudiar medicina?Have you ever thought of studying medicine?
acordarse de(
ah
-
kohr
-
dahr
-
seh
deh
)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 remember to
Acuérdate de apagar todas las luces antes de salir.Remember to turn off all the lights before you leave.
b. to remember
¿No te acuerdas de mí? Yo era tu profesora en la primaria.Don't you remember me? I was your teacher in elementary school.
c. to remember that
Acuérdate de que mañana cenaremos en lo de mis padres.Remember that tomorrow we're having dinner at my parents'.
