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"Relax" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "relajarse", and "sit back" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "recostarse". Learn more about the difference between "relax" and "sit back" below.
relax(
ri
-
lahks
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. relajarse
I am going to take a warm bath to relax.Voy a tomarme un baño caliente para relajarme.
If you want to relax, go take a walk on the beach.Si quieres relajarte, sal a caminar por la playa.
b. descansar
Lupita likes listening to music to relax.A Lupita le gusta escuchar música para descansar.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to loosen)
a. relajar
I need a massage to relax my tight neck muscles.Necesito un masaje para relajar los músculos tensos del cuello.
b. aflojar
Erica was so scared on the rollercoaster that she didn't release her grip on the bar until the very end.Erica estaba tan aterrada en la montaña rusa que no aflojó la fuerza con que sujetaba la barra hasta el final de todo.
sit back(
siht
bahk
)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.).
a. recostarse
I want to you to sit back, close your eyes, and imagine that you're in a happy, peaceful place.Quiero que te recuestes, que cierres los ojos y que imagines que estás en un lugar feliz y tranquilo.
2. (figurative) (to relax)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. ponerse cómodo
Thank you for coming out tonight; sit back and enjoy the show.Gracias por venir esta noche; pónganse cómodos y disfruten el espectáculo.
b. relajarse
After working 50 hours this week, it's really nice to be able to sit back and do nothing for a while.Después de trabajar 50 horas esta semana, se siente muy bien poder relajarme y no hacer nada un rato.
a. quedarse de brazos cruzados
Are we going to sit back while these atrocities continue?¿Vamos a quedarnos de brazos cruzados mientras siguen estas atrocidades?
