Key Verbs, Many Uses
Verbos clave
Five workhorse verbs (enfrentar, averiguar, aprovechar, superar, alcanzar) and the different job each one does in a sentence.
The rule
Five verbs that do a lot of work in adult conversation, each with more than one job. ENFRENTAR = to face something hard: 'enfrentar los berrinches'; reflexive with a, 'enfrentarse a un problema'. AVERIGUAR = to find out by asking or checking (not saber, which is already knowing, and not conocer): 'Voy a averiguar a qué hora abre.' APROVECHAR = to make the most of, with a direct object and NO preposition: 'aprovechar la siesta', 'aprovecho para ducharme', 'aprovechando que duerme...'.
The reflexive aprovecharse DE means to take unfair advantage of someone, a different verb in practice. SUPERAR = to overcome ('superó el miedo al agua'), to exceed ('superó mis expectativas'), to get over ('ya lo superé'); superarse = to outdo yourself. ALCANZAR = to reach ('no alcanza el estante'), to catch up with someone ('te alcanzo en la plaza'), alcanzar a + infinitive = to manage in time ('no alcancé a verlo'), and the gustar-style 'no me alcanza' = it isn't enough (time, money, patience).
Examples
No sé cómo enfrentar los berrinches todavía.
I still don't know how to deal with the tantrums. (enfrentar + the hard thing)
Voy a averiguar si la guardería tiene lugar.
I'm going to find out if the nursery has a spot. (averiguar = find out, not saber)
Aprovecho la siesta para ducharme.
I use nap time to take a shower. (aprovechar + direct object, no de)
Por fin superamos las noches sin dormir.
We finally got past the sleepless nights. (superar = get past / overcome)
Hoy no me alcanzó el tiempo para nada.
Today I didn't have time for anything. (gustar-style: the time is the subject)
Try it yourself
Three quick questions, straight from the app. No sign-up needed.
No sé cómo ___ los berrinches de la tarde.
I don't know how to deal with the afternoon tantrums.
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