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"Save up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "ahorrar", and "put by" is a transitive verb phrase which is also often translated as "ahorrar". Learn more about the difference between "save up" and "put by" below.
save up()
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. ahorrar
I'm not going out this month, because I'm saving up for a new car.No voy a salir este mes, porque estoy ahorrando para un nuevo carro.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. ahorrar
Even without a bank account, I was able to save up a few thousand dollars.Incluso sin una cuenta bancaria, logré ahorrar unos miles de dólares.
a. ahorrar
I'm saving up my sick days, so that I can have a longer vacation at the end of the year.Estoy ahorrando mis días de enfermedad para poder tomar una vacación más larga a fin del año.
put by()
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. ahorrar
If we don't put some money by now, we could find ourselves in a tight spot later on.Si no ahorramos un poco de dinero ahora, nos podríamos encontrar en un aprieto después.
