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"Verificar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to verify", and "vigilar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to watch". Learn more about the difference between "verificar" and "vigilar" below.
verificar(
beh
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ree
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fee
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kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to verify
Los expertos están verificando la autenticidad de la pintura.Experts are verifying the authenticity of the painting.
b. to check
Voy a verificar en el diccionario cómo se escribe la palabra.I'll check the spelling of the word in the dictionary.
c. to establish (facts)
Tenemos que verificar los hechos de manera objetiva y metódica.We must establish the facts in an objective and methodical manner.
d. to confirm
La policía verificó que el delincuente herido había muerto en el hospital.The police confirmed that the wounded robber died in hospital.
2. (to inspect)
3. (finance)
a. to audit
No le otorgaron permiso para verificar la cuenta bancaria de su pareja.He was not granted permission to audit his spouse's bank account.
4. (to hold)
a. to carry out
Nuestros aviones verificaron un reconocimiento sobre la isla.Our airplanes carried out an aerial reconnaissance of the island.
verificarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to be verified
Escuché un rumor, pero todavía no se verificó la información.I heard a rumor, but the information wasn't verified yet.
6. (to occur)
a. to take place
El debate se verificará en el auditorio.The debate will take place in the auditorium.
b. to be held
Las primeras elecciones democráticas se verificaron sin incidentes.The first democratic elections were held without incident.
a. to come true
¿Qué hubiera pasado si se hubiera verificado la profesía maya?What would have happened if the Mayan prophecy had come true?
vigilar(
bee
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hee
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lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to monitor)
a. to watch
¿Puedes vigilar a los niños mientras me doy una ducha rápida?Can you watch the kids while I take a quick shower?
b. to guard
Hay soldados vigilando la entrada de la base naval.There are soldiers guarding the entrance of the naval station.
c. to supervise
El profesor de química vigiló a los alumnos durante el experimento para garantizar su seguridad.The chemistry teacher supervised the students during the experiment to ensure their safety.
d. to keep an eye on
Vigila el guiso mientras voy corriendo a la tienda para que no se queme.Keep an eye on the stew while I run to the store to ensure that it doesn't burn.
e. to patrol
Como resultado de la crisis de los refugiados, el presidente ha convocado al ejército para vigilar la frontera.As a result of the refugee crisis, the president has called in the army to patrol the border.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to keep watch
Vigila desde la ventana y avísame cuando venga mamá para hacer que estoy estudiando.Keep watch from the window, and warn me when Mom comes so that I can pretend I'm studying.
