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"Tratar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to treat", and "abordar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to tackle". Learn more about the difference between "tratar" and "abordar" below.
tratar(
trah
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to behave)
a. to treat
Se espera que se trate con respeto a la gente mayor.It is expected that one should treat the elderly with respect.
2. (medicine)
a. to treat
Tras tratarlo con medicamentos, se le dará de alta mañana.After treating him with medication, he will be discharged tomorrow.
a. to address
Esta es otra cuestión que hay que tratar lo antes posible.This is another issue that has to be addressed as soon as possible.
4. (computing)
a. to process
En este curso aprenderán a transformar y tratar conjuntos de datos grandes.In this course you will learn to transform and process big data.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
tratarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
abordar(
ah
-
bohr
-
dahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to address)
a. to tackle
El libro aborda los principales problemas asociados con el uso de los combustibles fósiles.The book tackles the main problems associated with the use of fossil fuels.
b. to deal with
En la reunión, abordamos la cuestión de si debíamos contratar a más ayudantes.At the meeting, we dealt with the issue of whether we should hire more assistants.
a. to approach
No nos sorprendió cuando una joven abordó a nuestro sobrino famoso para pedirle su autógrafo.We weren't surprised when a young woman approached our famous nephew to ask for his autograph.
b. to accost (aggressively)
Un borracho me abordó en la calle para pedirme dinero.A drunk accosted me in the street and asked me for money.
3. (to enter)
a. to board
Llegué tarde al aeropuerto y no me dejaron abordar el avión.I arrived at the airport late, and they wouldn't let me board the plane.
b. to get into
Aborda el coche y espérame dentro; vuelvo en un minuto.Get into the car and wait for me inside; I'll be back in a minute.
c. to get on
Tropecé con los escalones al abordar el camión.I tripped on the steps when I was getting on the bus.
a. to ram
El pesquero abordó la barcaza sin querer por culpa de los fuertes vientos.The fishing vessel accidentally rammed the barge due to the high winds.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
5. (nautical)
a. to tie up
El mar estaba muy agitado; por eso fue un gran alivio abordar por fin en el puerto.The sea was very rough, so it was a great relief when we finally tied up in port.
