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"Señalar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to show", and "apuntar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to aim". Learn more about the difference between "señalar" and "apuntar" below.
señalar(
seh
-
nyah
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to show
El guía nos señaló la ruta que lleva a la cascada secreta.The guide showed us the route that leads to the secret waterfall.
b. to point out
Si me señalas el cuadro que quieres, te lo bajo.If you point out the painting you want, I'll get it down for you.
c. to point to
Le pregunté al niñito qué quería almorzar, y señaló las galletas.I asked the little boy what he wanted for lunch and he pointed to the cookies.
2. (to tag)
a. to mark
Los libros que señalé con una palomita son los que me faltan por leer.The books that I marked with a check are the ones I haven't read yet.
3. (to mean)
a. to signal
Esto señala un cambio en la política del gobierno.This signals a change in government policy.
4. (to note)
a. to point out
Debo señalar que no hay camas suficientes para todos los pacientes.I must point out that there aren't enough beds for all of the patients.
a. to set
El gobierno ha señalado el 15 de abril como el último día para pagar impuestos.The government has set April 15th as the last day to pay taxes.
b. to fix
La directora del colegio ha señalado el 5 de enero como el primer día de clases.The principal of the school has fixed January 5th as the first day of classes.
señalarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to stand out
La profesora se señala por sus esfuerzos infatigables de animar a sus alumnos.The teacher stands out for her tireless efforts to encourage her students.
b. to distinguish oneself
Se señaló por su dedicación a los derechos de los animales.He distinguished himself by his commitment to animal rights.
apuntar(
ah
-
poon
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to train)
2. (to signal)
a. to point at
La niña apuntó al culpable con el dedo.The girl pointed at the culprit with her finger.
b. to indicate
El guía usó un mapa para apuntar los monumentos a los turistas.The guide used a map to indicate the monuments to the tourists.
3. (to state)
a. to point out
El presidente apuntó que lo mejor estaba por venir.The president pointed out that the best was yet to come.
a. to write down
La chica apuntó el número de teléfono en un papel.The girl wrote down the phone number on a piece of paper.
b. to note down
Apunta todo lo que tenemos que comprar en el supermercado.Note down all the things we have to buy at the supermarket.
c. to make a note of
¿Puedes apuntar mis datos personales, por favor?Could you make a note of my personal details, please?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
6. (to train)
b. to point at
El niño apuntó con la pistola de juguete a la botella.The boy pointed the toy gun at the bottle.
b. to point to
Las encuestas apuntan a que los consumidores gastan menos.Polls point to the fact that consumers are spending less.
8. (to note)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
No tengo nada donde apuntar.I don't have anywhere to write this down.
¿Preparado para tomar notas? Apunta.Ready to take notes? Jot this down.
apuntarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
10. (to take part)
a. to enroll (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Voy a apuntarme a clases de chino.I'm going to enroll in Chinese classes.
b. to enrol (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Me apunté a un curso de cocina este semestre.I enrolled in a culinary course this semester.
c. to put one's name down
Apúntame cinco boletos para el viernes.Put my name down for five tickets for Friday.
d. to sign on
¿Te has apuntado para recibir las nuevas ayudas fiscales?Have you signed on to get the new tax breaks?
e. to register
Mi hermano se apuntó al paro cuando lo despidieron.My brother registered as unemployed when he was fired.
f. to join
Mi madre se apuntó a una asociación de aficionadas al punto.My mom joined a knitter's association.
g. to sign up
Mi padre se apuntó a un curso intensivo de fotografía.My father signed up for an intensive photography course.
11. (to join in)
b. to be interested
¿Alguien se apunta para acompañarnos a comprar helados?Is anyone interested in joining us for ice cream?
12. (to obtain)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Se apuntó un tanto cuando ganó la apuesta.He chalked up a point when he won the bet.
El equipo azul se apuntó una victoria en la primera prueba.The blue team scored a win in the first heat.
a. to become apparent
Se apuntaba una tendencia al alza en la bolsa.A rising trend was becoming apparent in the stock market.
b. to appear
Sabíamos que llegaba porque los faros del carro se apuntaban en la lejanía.We knew that he was arriving because the car headlights appeared in the distance.
