Inklingo

How to Say "to undertake" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to undertake” is “asumir” — use 'asumir' when you are taking on a responsibility, a role, or a task that is already established or assigned to you.

English → Spanish

asumir

ah-soo-MEERa.suˈmiɾ

verbB1general
Use 'asumir' when you are taking on a responsibility, a role, or a task that is already established or assigned to you.
A small person happily lifting a large, heavy-looking gold key onto their shoulder, symbolizing taking on a new responsibility or role.

Examples

Ella asumió la responsabilidad de organizar el evento.

She undertook the responsibility of organizing the event.

Ella asumió el liderazgo del equipo la semana pasada.

She took on the leadership of the team last week.

Si cometes un error, debes asumir la responsabilidad.

If you make a mistake, you must assume the responsibility.

It's a Transitive Verb

This verb usually needs a direct object (a thing or responsibility) right after it. For example, you 'asumir' something (la culpa, el cargo, la tarea).

Confusing 'Asumir' and 'Suponer'

Mistake: “Using 'asumir' when you just mean 'to guess' or 'to think.'”

Correction: Use 'suponer' or 'creer' for mental guesses. Use 'asumir' when someone is physically or emotionally taking on a duty or situation.

emprender

em-pren-DERem.pɾenˈdeɾ

verbB1general
Use 'emprender' when you are starting a new, often ambitious, project, venture, or journey.
A hiker at the base of a mountain path, putting on a backpack and looking up at the trail with determination.

Examples

Decidió emprender un viaje por Sudamérica.

He decided to undertake a trip through South America.

Decidió emprender un negocio de café orgánico.

He decided to start an organic coffee business.

Mañana vamos a emprender el viaje de regreso.

Tomorrow we are going to set out on the return journey.

Es valiente emprender nuevas aventuras a cualquier edad.

It is brave to embark on new adventures at any age.

Emprender vs. Empezar

Use 'empezar' for simple everyday things like eating or reading. Use 'emprender' for big, serious projects that require planning or courage.

Direct Action

Unlike some verbs that need a small word like 'a' or 'de' after them, you can put the thing you are starting directly after 'emprender'.

Small Tasks

Mistake: “Emprendí a lavar los platos.”

Correction: Empecé a lavar los platos. Use 'emprender' for big milestones, not simple chores.

Asumir vs. Emprender

The most common mistake is using 'asumir' for new beginnings. Remember, 'emprender' is specifically for initiating something new, like a business or a significant project, while 'asumir' is for taking on something that already exists.

Related Translations

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