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"Recoger" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to pick up", and "aprovechar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take advantage of". Learn more about the difference between "recoger" and "aprovechar" below.
recoger(
rreh
-
koh
-
hehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to lift up)
a. to pick up
Tuve que recoger todas las canicas que se cayeron al suelo.I had to pick up all the marbles that fell on the floor.
2. (to collect)
a. to gather
Es importante recoger toda la información necesaria.It is important to gather all the necessary information.
a. to clean up
Tenemos que recoger la cocina antes de la fiesta.We have to clean up the kitchen before the party.
4. (to fetch)
a. to pick up
¿Puedes venir a recogerme al aeropuerto el próximo domingo?Would you be able to pick me up at the airport next Sunday?
6. (to harvest)
a. to pick
¿Cuándo es el mejor momento para recoger fresas?When is the best time to pick strawberries?
7. (to contain)
a. to include
El documental recoge el testimonio de personas que fueron testigo de aquel escalofriante suceso.The documentary includes the testimony of people who witnessed that horrifying incident.
recogerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to go to bed
"Yo siempre me recojo muy temprano," dijo mi abuela y soltó un bostezo."I always go to bed very early," said my grandmother and she yawned.
10. (religion)
a. to withdraw
Cuando se quedó viuda, la condesa se recogió en un convento.The countess withdrew to a convent when she became a widow.
b. to retire
Después del desayuno, los monjes se recogen para meditar.After breakfast, the monks retire to meditate.
11. (clothing)
a. to lift up (skirt)
La muchacha se recogió la falda y metió los pies en el río.The girl lifted up her skirt and put her feet in the river.
b. to roll up (pants, sleeves)
Recógete las mangas de la camisa o te las mancharás de grasa.Roll up your shirt sleeves or you'll get them stained with grease.
aprovechar(
ah
-
proh
-
beh
-
chahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to take advantage of
Si quieres aprovechar el día, levántate más temprano.If you want to take advantage of the day, get up earlier.
Aprovecharon el descuento para comprar los regalos de Navidad.They took advantage of the discount to buy Christmas presents.
b. to make the most of
Me gusta aprovechar el tiempo que tengo de vacaciones.I like to make the most of my vacation time.
c. to make good use of
Supimos aprovechar las instalaciones de la academia.We knew how to make good use of the academy's facilities.
2. (to utilize)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to make the most of it
El bebé está durmiendo; aprovecha y tómate una ducha.The baby is asleep. Make the most of it and take a shower.
b. to take the opportunity to
Aprovecha para viajar el mundo mientras seas joven.Take the opportunity to travel the world while you're young.
aprovecharse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to take advantage of
Se aprovechó de que eran extranjeros para cobrarles más.She took advantage of the fact that they were foreigners to overcharge them.
a. to take advantage of
Se la llevó a un callejón y se aprovechó de ella.He took her to an alley and took advantage of her.
b. to abuse
Si una persona se aprovecha de un niño, irá a la cárcel.If a person abuses a child, he or she will go to jail.
