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"Plegar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to fold", and "doblar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to fold". Learn more about the difference between "plegar" and "doblar" below.
plegar(
pleh
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to pleat)
a. to fold
Te puedo enseñar a plegar el papel para hacer una palomita de origami.I can show you how to fold paper to make an origami dove.
2. (to close)
a. to fold up
¿Qué tal si plegamos estas sillas para que ocupen menos espacio?Why don't we fold up these chairs so that they take up less space?
plegarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to concede)
a. to yield
Aunque no estaba de acuerdo, tuvo que plegarse a la decision de la mayoría.Although he didn't agree, he had to yield to the decision of the majority.
b. to submit
No podrás lograr que todos se plieguen a tu voluntad.You won't be able to get everybody to submit to your will.
c. to give in
Juan es un abuelo consentidor que siempre se pliega a los deseos de sus nietos.Juan is an indulgent grandfather, always giving in to his grandchildren's wishes.
4. (to close)
a. to fold up
Esta mesa se pliega y se puede guardar cuando no se usa.This table folds up and can be put away when not in use.
b. to fold away
Tenemos una cama extra, de las que se pliegan, por si llega visita.We have an extra bed that folds away in case we have guests.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
El capó del auto se plegó en el accidente y tienen que cambiarlo porque no tiene arreglo.The hood of the car was wrecked in the accident, and they have to replace it it because there's no way of fixing it.
El tubo se plegó y no lo puedo enderezar.The pipe got bent and I can't straighten it out.
doblar(
doh
-
blahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to crease)
a. to double
Un bebé dobla su tamaño en unos cinco meses.A baby doubles its size in about five months.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
doblarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to give in)
a. to double
La tasa de natalidad se ha doblado en los últimos diez años.The birth rate has doubled in the last ten years.
