dedicar

to dedicate

dedicar(deh-dee-kahr)

transitive verb

1. (to offer in honor of)

a. to dedicate

Quiero dedicar esta canción a la mujer más bella del mundo.

I want to dedicate this song to the most beautiful woman in the world.

2. (to allocate)

a. to devote

Dedico mucho tiempo a la crianza de mis hijos.

I devote a lot of time to raising my children.

b. to use

Vamos a dedicar estas tablas de cortar únicamente a las verduras.

We're going to use these cutting boards only for vegetables.

3. (to declare sacred)

a. to consecrate

El cura dijo que dedicará la nueva capilla el domingo.

The priest said that he will consecrate the new chapel on Sunday.

b. to dedicate

Los monjes dedicaron la nueva biblioteca a santa Catalina.

The monks dedicated the new library to Saint Catherine.

dedicarse

pronominal verb

4. (to be employed as)

a. to do for a living

Mi tío se dedica a la crianza de ganado.

My uncle raises cattle for a living.

b. to work as

Mi vecino se dedica a la plomería.

My neighbor works as a plumber.

c. to be

Molly se dedica a la pintura.

Molly is a painter.

5. (to pass time; used with "a")

a. to devote oneself to

El profesor se dedica a leer en sus ratos de ocio.

The professor devotes himself to reading in his spare time.

b. to spend time with

Se dedica a sus hijos los fines de semana.

She spends time with her kids on the weekend.