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"Relax" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "relajarse", and "take a deep breath" is a phrase which is often translated as "respirar hondo". Learn more about the difference between "relax" and "take a deep breath" 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.
take a deep breath(
teyk
uh
dip
brehth
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. respirar hondo
We all need to take a deep breath and calm down.Todos necesitamos respirar hondo y calmarnos.
