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"Por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by", and "preocuparse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to worry". Learn more about the difference between "por" and "preocuparse" below.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
preocuparse(
preh
-
oh
-
koo
-
pahr
-
seh
)A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to worry
Mi papá se preocupa de todos menos de él mismo.My dad worries about everyone else except himself.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
2. (to ensure)
a. to make sure
Preocúpate de llegar a tiempo y yo me preocupo de traer a la cumpleañera.You make sure to get there on time and I'll make sure to bring the birthday girl.
preocupar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to worry
Me preocupa que no haya tenido noticias de tu hermano en una semana.I'm worried that I haven't heard from your brother in a week.
b. to be concerned
Nos preocupan los animales que vimos en la calle.We're concerned about the stray animals we saw on the street.
a. to bother
Parece que no le preocupa ganar dinero.He doesn't seem bothered about earning any money.