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"Quitar el polvo" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to dust", and "pasar la aspiradora" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to vacuum". Learn more about the difference between "quitar el polvo" and "pasar la aspiradora" below.
quitar el polvo(
kee
-
tahr
 
ehl
 
pohl
-
boh
)
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to dust
Quítale el polvo a los muebles con el plumero.Use the duster to dust the furniture.
b. to dust off
Hace mucho que no toco esta flauta, así que quítale el polvo primero.I haven't played this flute in a long time, so make sure you dust it off first.
2.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(to prepare to use again)
a. to dust off
Tengo que quitarle el polvo a mis viejos libros de texto antes de que comience mi posgrado.I need to dust off my old textbooks before I start grad school.
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An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. to vacuum
Pasa la aspiradora antes de fregar el suelo.Vacuum the floor before mopping it.
b. to hoover
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Hay muchas migas en la alfombra, tendríamos que pasar la aspiradora.There's a lot of crumbs on the carpet. We should hoover it.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.