Explanation

Quick Answer

There are some verbs in Spanish that are particularly challenging for native English speakers to master because they have the same English translation, yet are used in very different situations in Spanish. Let's learn how to distinguish between some of the most commonly confused verbs in Spanish!

Here are examples of more tricky verbs, along with links to more examples and explanations of the differences between each set of verbs!

Ser vs. Estar

examples
Soy Daniel. I'm Daniel.
Estoy cansado. I'm tired.

Click here to learn more!

Saber vs. Conocer

examples
No sé la respuesta. I don't know the answer.
No te conozco. I don't know you.

Click here to learn more!

Pedir vs. Preguntar

examples
¿Qué me pediste que te trajera de la tienda? What did you ask me to bring you from the store?
¿Te puedo preguntar algo? Can I ask you something?

Click here to learn more!

Llevar vs. Traer

examples
¿Qué vas a llevar a la fiesta? What are you going to bring to the party?
¿Me puedes traer la caja que está en la mesa? Can you bring me the box that's on the table?

Click here to learn more!

Intentar, Tratar De, and Probar

examples
Intenté ponerme en contacto con mi profesor. I tried to get in touch with my teacher.
Traté de ponerme en contacto con mi profesor. I tried to get in touch with my teacher.
Probé los tacos de huitlacoche, y me encantaron. I tried corn-smut tacos, and I loved them.

Click here to learn more!

Trabajar vs. Funcionar

examples
¿En dónde trabajas? Where do you work?
¿Cómo funciona este lavaplatos? How does this dishwasher work?

Click here to learn more!

Jugar vs. Tocar

examples
Me encanta jugar al tenis. I love to play tennis.
Me encanta tocar el piano. I love to play the piano.

Click here to learn more!

Faltar, Fallar, and Extrañar

examples
¿Por qué faltaste a la escuela? Why did you miss school?
¡Ja! ¡El delantero falló el penal! Ha! The forward missed the penalty shot!
Te extraño, mi amor. I miss you, my love.

Click here to learn more!

Mover, Mudarse, and Trasladar

examples
Mueve el cuadro un poquito a la derecha. Move the painting a bit to the right.
¡Mi amiga se mudó a Austin. My friend moved to Austin.
Trasladaron al paciente al hospital. They moved the patient to the hospital.