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"Volver" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to return", and "asumir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to assume". Learn more about the difference between "volver" and "asumir" below.
volver(
bohl
-
behr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
1. (to be back)
a. to return
Vuelve con el recibo si quieres un crédito en la tienda.Return with the receipt if you want store credit.
c. to go back
Solo llevo una semana de vuelta pero ya quiero volver a España.I've only been back a week and I already want to go back to Spain.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¡Tengo que volver a limpiarlo todo!I have to clean everything again!
Volverá a llover este fin de semana.It will rain again this weekend.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to swivel)
volverse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to be back)
a. to return
Se volvió a España porque no encontró trabajo acá.He returned to Spain because he couldn't find a job here.
b. to come back
Vuélvanse antes de que los agarre la tormenta.Come back before you get caught in the storm.
c. to go back
Me tuve que volver temprano para sacar al perro.I had to go back early to take the dog out.
a. to turn around
Me volví para enfrentar a los que me estaban insultando.I turned around to face those who were insulting me.
asumir(
ah
-
soo
-
meer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to assume
El doctor asumió responsabilidad en el caso de negligencia.The doctor assumed responsibility in the negligence case.
b. to take on
El candidato ganador asumió las responsabilidades del cargo.The winning candidate took on the responsibilities of the position.
c. to take over
El hijo asumió el control de la compañía cuando el padre se enfermó.The son took over the company when the father got sick.
2. (to suppose) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to assume
Asumiendo que lo que dices es cierto, ya no tenemos de qué preocuparnos.Assuming that what you say is true, we don't have anything to worry about.
3. (to agree)
a. to accept
El presidente asumió su falta de liderazgo.The president accepted his lack of leadership.
b. to take
Los inversionistas asumen los riesgos de tener su dinero en la bolsa.Investors take the risks associated with having their money in the stock market.
c. to come to terms with
El oponente finalmente asumió su derrota.The opponent finally came to terms with his defeat.
5. (to acquire)
a. to assume
No estoy preparado para asumir la responsabilidad de ser padre.I'm not ready to assume the responsibility of being a father.
