Aspirar is a versatile verb meaning to vacuum clean, to inhale, or to ambitiously aim for a goal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To clean floors using a vacuum cleaner.
- To inhale or breathe in air.
- To aim for or desire a goal.
Panorama general
El verbo 'aspirar' es un término polisémico muy común en el español cotidiano. Su uso más frecuente en el hogar se refiere al mantenimiento de la limpieza, mientras que en contextos abstractos denota ambición o deseo intenso. 2) Patrones de uso: Como verbo regular de la primera conjugación (-ar), sigue las reglas estándar de flexión. Se utiliza frecuentemente con la preposición 'a' cuando expresa un deseo (aspirar a un puesto). 3) Contextos comunes: Lo escucharás en situaciones domésticas al hablar de tareas del hogar, en contextos médicos al hablar de la respiración (aspirar aire) y en entornos profesionales al hablar de metas de carrera. 4) Comparación: A diferencia de 'barrer', que implica un movimiento físico con escoba, 'aspirar' implica el uso de maquinaria eléctrica. A diferencia de 'desear', 'aspirar' implica un esfuerzo activo o una preparación hacia el objetivo.
Usage Notes
Aspirar is neutral in register when used for cleaning. When used for goals, it sounds professional and ambitious. Always remember to use the preposition 'a' for goals.
Common Mistakes
Students often forget the preposition 'a' when talking about goals. Another mistake is using 'aspirar' for sweeping. Ensure you distinguish between the machine and the action.
Memory Tip
Think of a vacuum cleaner 'aspiring' to suck up all the dust. It is like an ambitious machine cleaning the house!
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'aspirare', meaning to breathe upon or to reach out toward. This explains both the physical (breathing/inhaling) and abstract (reaching for goals) meanings.
Cultural Context
The word is universally understood in all Spanish-speaking regions. It reflects the standard terminology for modern home maintenance.
Examples
Tengo que aspirar la alfombra del salón.
everydayI have to vacuum the living room carpet.
Ella aspira a ser la directora de la empresa.
formalShe aspires to be the company director.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
aspirar aire puro
to breathe in fresh air
aspirar a lo máximo
to aim for the best
Often Confused With
Barrer is to sweep with a broom, whereas aspirar requires a vacuum machine.
Grammar Patterns
Use aspirar for cleaning and goals
Remember that this verb covers both physical cleaning and professional ambition. Use 'aspirar a' when talking about your dream job or target.
Do not confuse with barrer
Barrer is to sweep with a broom. Aspirar specifically requires a vacuum cleaner machine.
Vacuuming is a common chore
In many Spanish-speaking households, 'aspirar' is the standard way to maintain carpeted floors or rugs. It is a very common household chore.
Test Yourself
Completa la oración con la forma correcta de aspirar.
Mañana tengo que ___ toda la casa porque viene mi familia.
Se usa el infinitivo después de 'tengo que'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsSe utiliza el verbo 'aspirar' para la acción. El aparato en sí se llama 'aspiradora'.
No exactamente. 'Aspirar' implica un esfuerzo o preparación hacia un objetivo, mientras que 'desear' es simplemente un sentimiento de querer algo.
Sí, puedes aspirar el polvo de los muebles, el interior de un coche o incluso aire en un contexto médico.
Summary
Aspirar is a versatile verb meaning to vacuum clean, to inhale, or to ambitiously aim for a goal.
- To clean floors using a vacuum cleaner.
- To inhale or breathe in air.
- To aim for or desire a goal.
Use aspirar for cleaning and goals
Remember that this verb covers both physical cleaning and professional ambition. Use 'aspirar a' when talking about your dream job or target.
Do not confuse with barrer
Barrer is to sweep with a broom. Aspirar specifically requires a vacuum cleaner machine.
Vacuuming is a common chore
In many Spanish-speaking households, 'aspirar' is the standard way to maintain carpeted floors or rugs. It is a very common household chore.
Examples
2 of 2Tengo que aspirar la alfombra del salón.
I have to vacuum the living room carpet.
Ella aspira a ser la directora de la empresa.
She aspires to be the company director.
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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