Inklingo

How to Say "to embrace" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forto embraceis abrazaruse 'abrazar' when you are talking about a physical hug or holding someone closely, showing affection..

English → Spanish

abrazar

/ah-brah-SAHR//a.βɾa.ˈθaɾ/

verbA1General
Use 'abrazar' when you are talking about a physical hug or holding someone closely, showing affection.
A child happily hugging a large, soft teddy bear.

Examples

Quiero abrazar a mi hermano.

I want to hug my brother.

Se abrazaron después de mucho tiempo.

They hugged each other after a long time.

Ella me abrazó con mucha fuerza.

She hugged me very tightly.

Él decidió abrazar la vida religiosa.

He decided to embrace the religious life.

Spelling Change Rule

The letter 'z' changes to 'c' when it's followed by an 'e'. This is why we say 'abracé' (I hugged) instead of 'abrazé'. This keeps the sound consistent!

The Personal 'a'

Since 'abrazar' usually involves a person, don't forget to use 'a' after the verb: 'Abrazo a mi mamá'.

Abstract Objects

When using 'abrazar' for ideas or causes, you don't usually need the personal 'a' unless you are personifying the idea.

Confusing with 'hacer'

Mistake:Hice un abrazo a ella.

Correction: Le di un abrazo o La abracé. Spanish usually uses 'dar' (to give) for the noun 'un abrazo' or just the verb 'abrazar'.

abrazar

/ah-brah-SAHR//a.βɾa.ˈθaɾ/

verbB2General
Use 'abrazar' when referring to accepting or adopting a new idea, belief, or way of life wholeheartedly.
A child happily hugging a large, soft teddy bear.

Examples

Él decidió abrazar la vida religiosa.

He decided to embrace the religious life.

Quiero abrazar a mi hermano.

I want to hug my brother.

Se abrazaron después de mucho tiempo.

They hugged each other after a long time.

Ella me abrazó con mucha fuerza.

She hugged me very tightly.

Spelling Change Rule

The letter 'z' changes to 'c' when it's followed by an 'e'. This is why we say 'abracé' (I hugged) instead of 'abrazé'. This keeps the sound consistent!

The Personal 'a'

Since 'abrazar' usually involves a person, don't forget to use 'a' after the verb: 'Abrazo a mi mamá'.

Abstract Objects

When using 'abrazar' for ideas or causes, you don't usually need the personal 'a' unless you are personifying the idea.

Confusing with 'hacer'

Mistake:Hice un abrazo a ella.

Correction: Le di un abrazo o La abracé. Spanish usually uses 'dar' (to give) for the noun 'un abrazo' or just the verb 'abrazar'.

incluir

/een-cloo-EER//in.klu'ir/

verbB2General
Use 'incluir' when the meaning is to accept or make someone or something a part of a group or activity.
A group of children standing in a circle, holding hands and opening the circle to welcome another child.

Examples

Es importante incluir a todos los niños en los juegos.

It is important to involve/include all the children in the games.

La nueva ley busca incluir a las minorías en el proceso.

The new law seeks to involve minorities in the process.

Incluimos diversas perspectivas en nuestro estudio.

We included diverse perspectives in our study.

Abstract Inclusion

When including ideas or perspectives, you don't need the personal 'a'. Only use 'a' for people or living beings.

Physical Hug vs. Accepting Ideas

Learners often confuse 'abrazar' (to hug) with 'incluir' (to include). Remember that 'abrazar' can also mean to adopt an idea or lifestyle, while 'incluir' is specifically about bringing someone or something into a group or situation.

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