penetrar

to penetrate

penetrar(peh-neh-trahr)

transitive verb

1. (to enter)

a. to penetrate

El clavo penetró la puerta y después no pudimos sacarlo.

The nail went through the door and we couldn't get it out.

b. to pierce

Saca la carne de los tomates, procurando no penetrar la piel.

Remove the flesh from the tomatoes, being careful not to pierce the skin.

2. (to affect intensely)

a. to pierce

Sus insultos penetraron mi corazón y me sentí herido.

Her insults pierced my heart and I felt very hurt.

3. (to understand)

a. to fathom

El policía logró penetrar el modus operandi del asesino en serie después de mucho investigar.

After a lengthy investigation, the police officer managed to fathom the serial killer's modus operandi.

4. (sexual)

a. to penetrate

Ella dejó que la acariciara pero no que la penetrara.

She allowed him to caress her but wouldn't let him penetrate her.

intransitive verb

5. (to gain access; often used with "en")

a. to enter

Los invasores penetraron por un túnel subterráneo que habían construido.

The invaders entered through an underground tunnel they had built.

b. to get into

¿Cómo crees que los ladrones penetraron en el edificio?

How do you think the robbers got into the building?

6. (to become established; often used with "en")

a. to penetrate

Por las diferencias culturales la empresa tuvo problemas para penetrar en el mercado japonés.

The company had problems penetrating the Japanese market because of cultural differences.

b. to permeate

Hemos dejado que el racismo penetre en nuestra sociedad.

We have allowed racism to permeate our society.

7. (to percolate; often used with "en")

a. to seep (liquid)

La humedad había ido penetrando en las paredes y el papel se estaba despegando.

Damp had gradually seeped into the walls and the wallpaper was peeling off.

b. to filter (light, smoke, gas)

En cuanto la luz de la mañana empezaba a penetrar a través de las persianas, me levantaba.

As soon as the light began to filter through the blinds in the morning, I would get up.

8. (to probe; often used with "en")

a. to delve into

La psicóloga penetró en el origen de los miedos de su paciente.

The psychologist delved into the origin of her patient's fears.