atrae
/ah-TRAH-eh/
attracts
The force of attraction is clearly visible as the magnet pulls the metal object toward it.
atrae(Verb)
attracts
?He/She/It attracts
,draws
?It draws something toward itself
pulls
?Physical force
,appeals
?A concept or idea
📝 In Action
El Sol atrae a la Tierra con su gravedad.
A2The Sun attracts the Earth with its gravity.
¿Qué atrae a los turistas a esta ciudad?
B1What attracts tourists to this city?
Usted atrae la atención de todos cuando habla.
A2You (formal) attract everyone's attention when you speak.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Speaker
When you see 'atrae,' the person doing the action is a single person (he/she/it) or a formal 'you' (usted). It always describes the action happening right now.
The 'Yo' Form is Special
The base verb 'atraer' has a tricky 'yo' form: 'atraigo.' Remember this 'g' sound, as it carries into the special verb forms (subjunctive: 'atraiga').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Tenses
Mistake: "Using 'atrajo' (past tense) when describing a current, ongoing attraction."
Correction: Use 'atrae' for the present action: 'Esa música atrae a los jóvenes' (That music attracts young people).
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical vs. Emotional
'Atrae' works for both magnets pulling metal and a beautiful piece of art drawing your eye. It's a versatile word for any kind of 'pull.'
Commercial or figurative appeal often entices us, like a bear cub being drawn to honey.
atrae(Verb)
entices
?Figurative or commercial appeal
,seduces
?Strong emotional or romantic pull
brings about
?To cause a result
📝 In Action
La nueva ley atrae inversión extranjera al país.
B2The new law attracts/entices foreign investment to the country.
Su misterio atrae a sus fans.
B1His mystery appeals to his fans.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Subjects
In this figurative sense, the subject of 'atrae' is often an abstract idea or policy, like 'la estrategia' (the strategy) or 'el cambio' (the change).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Business and Policy
When talking about economic growth or social trends, use 'atrae' to mean 'causes' or 'draws in' resources or people.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: atrae
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'atrae' in its figurative sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'atrae' a regular or irregular verb?
'Atraer' is mostly regular in the present tense, but it is irregular in the 'yo' form ('atraigo') and in the past tense (preterite: 'atrajo'). You must learn these irregular forms to use it correctly in all contexts.
What is the difference between 'atrae' and 'atraigo'?
'Atrae' means 'he, she, it, or formal you' attracts. 'Atraigo' means 'I' attract. They are both the present tense, but they refer to different people doing the action.