apartar
Word in 30 Seconds
- To move something aside to clear space.
- To set aside or reserve something for later.
- To distance oneself from a person or situation.
Summary
Apartar means to physically move something aside or to reserve it for future use.
- To move something aside to clear space.
- To set aside or reserve something for later.
- To distance oneself from a person or situation.
Use apartar for clearing space
Think of it as clearing a path. When you need to move things to make room, apartar is the perfect verb.
Don't confuse with quitar
Quitar means to remove or take away completely. Apartar just moves it to the side, it doesn't necessarily mean it is gone.
Apartar in shopping
In many Spanish-speaking countries, you can 'apartar' a product in a store by paying a deposit. This is a common way to reserve items.
Examples
4 of 4Aparta los platos sucios de la mesa.
Move the dirty dishes off the table.
El juez apartó al testigo del caso.
The judge removed the witness from the case.
Me aparté para que pasara el coche.
I moved aside so the car could pass.
Debemos apartar tiempo para estudiar.
We must set aside time to study.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'a-part-ar' as making a 'part' of the space empty. If you move something, you create a part of the floor or table that is now clear.
Panorama general
'Apartar' es un verbo transitivo fundamental en español que denota la separación física o conceptual. Su uso es versátil, abarcando desde acciones cotidianas de limpieza hasta la toma de decisiones estratégicas como apartar dinero o tiempo. 2) Patrones de uso: Se construye frecuentemente con la preposición 'de' (apartar algo de un lugar) o con pronombres reflexivos ('apartarse') cuando el sujeto se retira voluntariamente de una situación. Es común su uso en contextos imperativos cuando se pide a alguien que se mueva o deje de interferir. 3) Contextos comunes: En el hogar, se usa para ordenar (apartar la ropa sucia). En finanzas, es vital para el ahorro (apartar una parte del sueldo). En situaciones sociales, puede implicar una distancia física (apartarse del camino) o emocional (apartarse de malas influencias). 4) Comparación: A diferencia de 'separar', que suele implicar dividir un todo en partes, 'apartar' pone el énfasis en el desplazamiento o la reserva de un elemento respecto a un conjunto mayor o una posición original.
Usage Notes
Apartar is a versatile verb used in both formal and informal registers. It is neutral in tone, making it suitable for instructions, daily tasks, or professional settings. When used reflexively (apartarse), it often implies a voluntary or necessary withdrawal from a place or situation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'quitar' when they mean 'apartar'. Remember that 'quitar' implies taking something away completely, while 'apartar' just moves it aside. Also, ensure you use the correct reflexive pronoun when using the verb for self-distancing.
Memory Tip
Think of 'a-part-ar' as making a 'part' of the space empty. If you move something, you create a part of the floor or table that is now clear.
Word Origin
The word comes from the prefix 'a-' (to) and 'parte' (part). It literally means to put something into its own part or separate section.
Cultural Context
In many Latin American countries, 'apartar' is frequently used in retail to mean putting an item on layaway. It is a culturally common practice for middle-class families to secure goods before paying them in full.
Examples
Aparta los platos sucios de la mesa.
everydayMove the dirty dishes off the table.
El juez apartó al testigo del caso.
formalThe judge removed the witness from the case.
Me aparté para que pasara el coche.
informalI moved aside so the car could pass.
Debemos apartar tiempo para estudiar.
academicWe must set aside time to study.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
¡Apártate!
Move aside!
Apartar la vista
To look away
Apartado de correos
P.O. Box
Often Confused With
Quitar means to take away or remove entirely. Apartar is less permanent, implying moving something to a different spot nearby.
Separar is for dividing things or keeping them apart. Apartar is for shifting something to clear space.
Grammar Patterns
Use apartar for clearing space
Think of it as clearing a path. When you need to move things to make room, apartar is the perfect verb.
Don't confuse with quitar
Quitar means to remove or take away completely. Apartar just moves it to the side, it doesn't necessarily mean it is gone.
Apartar in shopping
In many Spanish-speaking countries, you can 'apartar' a product in a store by paying a deposit. This is a common way to reserve items.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta de apartar.
Por favor, ___ las cajas del pasillo para que podamos pasar.
Se requiere el imperativo para una petición directa.
Elige el significado correcto en este contexto: 'Aparté algo de dinero para el viaje'.
¿Qué significa en esta oración?
En contextos financieros, apartar significa ahorrar o reservar fondos.
Ordena la frase correctamente.
la / de / se / camino / apartó / ella / del
Sigue el orden sujeto-verbo-complemento.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAunque se parecen, 'separar' implica dividir algo en partes, mientras que 'apartar' se enfoca en mover algo de su sitio original o guardarlo. Por ejemplo, apartas una silla para pasar, pero separas las piezas de un juguete.
Sí, se usa para pedir a alguien que se mueva o para indicar que alguien se ha distanciado de un grupo. Por ejemplo: 'Aparta a los niños de la zona de peligro'.
Se traduce comúnmente como 'to set aside money' o 'to save up'. Es una expresión muy utilizada en el ámbito financiero personal.
Alejar implica aumentar la distancia física o emocional de forma más permanente o abstracta. Apartar suele ser un movimiento más puntual o específico para despejar un área.
Related Vocabulary
More business words
abastecer
B1To supply someone or something with something.
a cambio
B1As a return or substitute; in exchange, in return.
a cambio de
B1In exchange for.
a cargo de
B1In charge of; responsible for.
acción
B1A share in a company's capital, entitling the holder to a proportion of the profits.
accionariado
B1The body of shareholders of a company.
acciones
B1Shares of ownership in a company.
aceptado
B1Generally considered or recognized as valid or appropriate.
acertadamente
B1In a correct or appropriate manner.
acordado
B1Agreed upon or settled by mutual consent.
