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"Bañarme" is a form of "bañar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to bathe". "Secar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to dry". Learn more about the difference between "secar" and "bañarme" below.
secar(
seh
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
secarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
c. to dry oneself off
Voy a salir de la piscina y secarme.I'm going to get out off the pool and dry myself off.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
bañar(
bah
-
nyahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to wash)
a. to bathe (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La enfermera bañó al paciente.The nurse bathed the patient.
b. to bath (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Baña a los niños antes de que se acuesten.Bath the kids before they go to bed.
c. to give a bath
¿Con qué frecuencia hay que bañar al gato?How often should you give the cat a bath?
2. (to coat)
a. to cover
El chef bañó la pasta con una deliciosa salsa marinara.The chef covered the pasta with a delicious marinara sauce.
3. (geography)
a. to flow through
El río Potomac baña Washington, D.C.The Potomac River flows through Washington, D.C.
b. to wash (literary)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
El Pacífico baña toda la costa peruana.The Pacific washes the entire Peruvian coast.
bañarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to take a bath
Después de un día tan largo, solo quiero bañarme y relajarme.After such a long day, I just want to take a bath and relax.
c. to bathe (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
La semana que fuimos de acampada no me bañé ni una vez.The week we went camping I didn't even bathe once.
5. (to wash oneself in a shower) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to take a shower
Todavía falta bañarme antes de irme en la cita.I still need to take a shower before going on my date.
b. to have a shower
Después de correr el maratón, me muero por bañarme.After running the marathon, I'm dying to have a shower.
c. to shower
Huele como si no se hubiera bañado en siglos.He smells like he hasn't showered in ages.
6. (to swim)
a. to go for a swim
¡Hace tanto calor! ¿Nos bañamos en el lago?It's so hot! Shall we go for a swim in the lake?
