desempeñar

to carry out

desempeñar(dehs-ehm-peh-ngahr)

transitive verb

1. (to execute)

a. to carry out

El becario ha desempeñado todas sus tareas de manera eficiente.

The intern has carried out all his assignments efficiently.

b. to hold (a position)

Actualmente, la Sra. González desempeña un cargo muy importante en la empresa.

Currently, Ms. Gonzalez holds a very important position in the company.

c. to play (a role)

Estas hormonas desempeñan un papel fundamental en el metabolismo.

These hormones play a fundamental role in metabolism.

2. (to retrieve valuables)

a. to redeem

Si usted no desempeña sus joyas, las revenderemos.

If you fail to redeem your jewels, we'll resell them.

3. (theater)

a. to play

Mi primo desempeña el papel de Romeo.

My cousin plays the part of Romeo.

desempeñarse

reflexive verb

4. (to perform functions)

a. to work as

Me desempeñé como mesera para pagar la universidad.

I worked as a waitress to pay for university.

5. (finances)

a. to get out of debt

Él se desempeñó temprano porque pagó más y más cada mes.

He got out of debt early because he paid a little more each month.