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"Proveer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to provide", and "prestar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to lend". Learn more about the difference between "proveer" and "prestar" below.
proveer(
proh
-
beh
-
ehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to give)
a. to provide
Estamos proveyendo agua y comida a las víctimas del desastre.We are providing water and food to the victims of the disaster.
b. to supply
Los granjeros locales proveen vegetales orgánicos a ese supermercado.Local farmers supply organic vegetables to that supermarket.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
3. (to furnish)
a. to provide
Todo está provisto con ese paquete de vacaciones.Everything is provided for with that vacation package.
proveerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to provide oneself with
Tenemos que proveernos de suficiente madera para el invierno.We have to provide ourselves with enough wood for the winter.
prestar(
prehs
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to loan)
a. to lend
Te prestaré algunos de los libros de mi hermano.I will lend you some of my brother's books.
2. (to give)
a. to provide
Recibió el dinero por el servicio que prestó.He received the money for the service he provided.
prestarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
4. (to take temporarily) (Caribbean)
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
a. to borrow
Mi hermano se prestó de mi carro sin mi permiso.My brother borrowed my car without my permission.
