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"Preparar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prepare", and "pagar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to pay". Learn more about the difference between "preparar" and "pagar" below.
preparar(
preh
-
pah
-
rahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to prepare
Prepara las cosas para la excursión la noche anterior para que no se te olvide nada.Prepare your things for the trip the night before so you don't forget anything.
a. to prepare
Hicimos lo que pudimos para preparar a nuestros hijos para la vida.We did what we could to prepare our children for life.
a. to make
Voy a preparar el postre favorito de mi hija.I'm going to make my daughter's favorite dessert.
b. to throw
Estoy preparando una gran fiesta para tu regreso.I'm throwing a big party for your return.
prepararse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to prepare
Me he estado preparando para un examen.I've been preparing for an exam.
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to get ready
Me estoy preparando para la fiesta de esta noche.I'm getting ready for a party tonight.
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pagar(
pah
-
gahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to pay
Él está pagando la cuenta.He is paying the bill.
b. to pay off (a debt)
Yo acabo de pagar mis deudas de la universidad.I just paid off my college loans.
c. to repay (a debt)
Toma cinco años pagar el préstamo del carro.It takes five years to repay the loan on the car.
a. to pay for
Mi primo me pagó el almuerzo.My cousin paid for my lunch.
a. to pay
Me las pagarás por lo que me hiciste.You're going to pay for what you did to me.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to pay
Ya pagué yo.I already paid.
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