verb

quemar

burn

Es hacer que algo se destruya o se dañe por el fuego o el calor.

Word: quemar

Meaning:
"Quemar" is a verb in Spanish that means "to burn". It refers to the act of setting something on fire or to be consumed by fire or heat.


Explanation

  • Verbal form: It's a regular verb of the first conjugation (-ar).
  • Basic meaning: To ignite or cause something to ignite and be destroyed or altered by fire or heat.

Synonyms:

  • incendiar (to set on fire)
  • arder (to burn, be on fire)
  • calentar (in some contexts, to heat strongly)
  • abrasar (to scorch, to burn intensely)

Antonyms:

  • apagar (to extinguish)
  • enfriar (to cool down)

Additional meanings/context:

  1. Physical burning:
    To cause combustion or burning of objects:
    Ejemplo: Quemar leña (To burn firewood).

  2. Figurative use:
    It can also be used metaphorically, such as to express being "burned" emotionally or financially, or to damage something irreparably:
    Ejemplo: Me quemó con el trato (He/she burned me with the deal).

  3. Technology-related:
    Used in contexts like "burning a CD" (quemar un CD), meaning to write data onto a disc.


In sum, "quemar" primarily relates to burning by fire but extends metaphorically to various forms of destruction or damage, both tangible and intangible.

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Examples

Es fácil quemar la comida si no tienes cuidado.verb

It is easy to burn food if you are not careful.

Debes apagar el fuego para no quemar la pizza.verb

You must put out the fire so as not to burn the pizza.

Tuve que apagar el fuego para no quemar la sopa.verb

I had to put out the fire so as not to burn the soup.

¿Te gusta quemar las hojas secas en otoño?verb

Do you like to burn the dry leaves in autumn?

El fuego quemó la casa.verb

The fire burned the house.

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