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"Warn" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "advertir", and "tell" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "contar". Learn more about the difference between "warn" and "tell" below.
warn(
worn
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to caution)
2. (to notify)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. advertir
The surgeon general warns that smoking can be dangerous to your health.El jefe del servicio federal de sanidad advierte que fumar puede ser nocivo para la salud.
tell(
tehl
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to discern)
3. (to know)
a. saber
You can tell by the look in her eyes that she loves you.Puedes saber por su mirada que te quiere.
4. (to count)
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
The nun tells her rosary beads every evening.Todas las noches, la monja reza el rosario.
There were a hundred guests all told.Había cien invitados en total.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
6. (to divulge)
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
I won't tell Mom on you if you do me a favor.No me chivaré de ti a mamá si me haces un favor.
The agent asked her if she saw anything, but she was not willing to tell.El agente le preguntó si había visto algo, pero ella no lo quería decir.
a. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Age tells when running a marathon.La edad pesa cuando corres un maratón.
Every answer tells in a job interview.Cada respuesta cuenta en una entrevista de trabajo.
