correr
/koh-REHR/
to run
The primary meaning of correr is "to run," referring to physical movement.
correr(verb)
to run
?physical movement, general sense
,to jog
?light running
to hasten
?to move quickly
📝 In Action
Ella corre todos los días en el parque para mantenerse en forma.
A1She runs every day in the park to stay in shape.
Tuvimos que correr para no perder el autobús.
A2We had to run so we wouldn't miss the bus.
¿Podemos correr más rápido?
A1Can we run faster?
💡 Grammar Points
Correr vs. Funcionar
Use 'correr' only for movement or liquids. If a machine or system is 'running' (working), use 'funcionar'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'A'
When talking about running toward a place, Spanish uses 'correr A' instead of 'correr hacia': 'Corrí a la tienda' (I ran to the store).
When referring to liquids, correr means "to flow."
correr(verb)
to flow
?liquids, water
,to circulate
?rumors, news
,to pass
?time
to leak
?liquid from a container
📝 In Action
El agua corre desde la montaña hasta el río.
A2The water flows from the mountain to the river.
El rumor corrió por toda la oficina en minutos.
B1The rumor circulated (ran) through the entire office in minutes.
Necesitamos arreglar la tubería porque está corriendo agua.
B1We need to fix the pipe because water is leaking/running out.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
Think of this meaning as 'running' in a metaphorical sense. If a liquid, time, or gossip moves quickly without stopping, you can use 'correr'.
Correr is used to mean "to draw" or move curtains or blinds.
correr(verb)
to draw
?curtains or blinds
,to slide
?moving a door or bolt
to be responsible for
?often used in the set phrase 'correr con'
📝 In Action
Por favor, corre las cortinas antes de que entre el sol.
B1Please, draw the curtains before the sun comes in. (Move the curtains)
Olvidaste correr el pestillo de la puerta.
B2You forgot to slide the bolt on the door.
Mi jefe me pidió correr con los gastos del viaje.
B2My boss asked me to be responsible for (cover) the travel expenses.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Use
In this meaning, 'correr' acts directly on an object (the curtains, the bolt). It means you are causing the object to move or slide.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: correr
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'correr' in its physical (A1) sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'correr' and 'funcionar' when talking about machines?
Use 'correr' only for literal movement (like running in a race). If you want to say a machine or a plan is 'running' (working correctly), you should use 'funcionar' (to function).
How do I use 'correr' to mean 'to be responsible for'?
You must use the phrase 'correr con'. For example, 'Yo corro con la cuenta' means 'I'll cover the bill' or 'I'm responsible for the bill'.