Inklingo

How to Say "to clear" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to clear” is “liberar” — use 'liberar' when you are freeing up space on a device (like a phone or computer) or releasing something that was held..

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liberar

/lee-beh-RAHR//liβeˈɾaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'liberar' when you are freeing up space on a device (like a phone or computer) or releasing something that was held.
A hand lifting a stack of colorful books off a wooden shelf, creating a large, clear area of empty space.

Examples

Necesito liberar espacio en mi disco duro para instalar el nuevo software.

I need to free up space on my hard drive to install the new software.

Borré muchos archivos para liberar espacio en mi teléfono.

I deleted a lot of files to free up space on my phone.

Si terminamos temprano, podemos liberar tiempo para otras tareas.

If we finish early, we can free up time for other tasks.

Necesitamos liberar la mesa para la próxima reunión.

We need to clear the table for the next meeting.

Using the Infinitive

It is very common to use 'liberar' right after a verb of necessity (like 'necesitar' or 'querer') combined with the preposition 'para' (in order to): 'Quiero liberar espacio.'

salvar

/sal-BAR//salˈβaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'salvar' when you are overcoming or getting past a physical obstacle, barrier, or a difficult situation.
A small, determined character standing victoriously on the highest peak of a large, jagged mountain obstacle, raising a fist in triumph.

Examples

El atleta tuvo que salvar la valla alta para ganar la carrera.

The athlete had to clear the high hurdle to win the race.

Tuvo que salvar muchos obstáculos para lograr su sueño.

She had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her dream.

El nuevo puente salva el río, conectando las dos ciudades.

The new bridge crosses (bridges) the river, connecting the two cities.

Salvando las distancias, nuestros problemas son similares.

Bridging the differences (or 'differences aside'), our problems are similar.

Confusing 'liberar' and 'salvar'

Learners often confuse 'liberar' and 'salvar'. Remember that 'liberar' is for making space or releasing something, while 'salvar' is for overcoming a physical obstacle or barrier.

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