moverse
Lemma Details
Translation: to move; to move oneself; to shift; to stir; to budge
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Moverse is a reflexive verb derived from the Latin 'movēre' meaning 'to move'. The reflexive form in Spanish indicates that the subject performs the action on itself. The Latin root 'mov-' is also present in English words like 'move', 'motion', 'motor', and 'emotion'. The reflexive nature of 'moverse' emphasizes the self-initiated action, distinguishing it from the transitive 'mover' (to move something else).
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El niño no puede moverse por la pierna rota.
The child cannot move because of the broken leg.
Las nubes se mueven lentamente en el cielo.
The clouds move slowly in the sky.
¿Por qué no te mueves? Vamos a llegar tarde.
Why aren't you moving? We're going to be late.
Necesito moverme más para estar en forma.
I need to move more to stay in shape.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'moverse' as 'move yourself' - the 'se' at the end indicates it's reflexive.
- Remember that 'moverse' is like saying 'to self-move' in English.
- Associate with English 'movement' but with the action returning to the subject.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'moverse' is often used in contexts related to physical activity, dance, and social mobility. The expression 'hay que moverse' (one must move) is commonly used to encourage action or initiative.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Moverse' is reflexive (the subject moves itself) while 'mover' is transitive (the subject moves something else).
Notes: The difference is crucial in Spanish as it changes the meaning from moving oneself to moving something else.
Mnemonic: If there's 'se' at the end, the action reflects back on the subject.
Explanation: 'Moverse' means physical movement while 'conmoverse' means to be emotionally moved or touched.
Confused word:
Me conmuevo con esa historia.
I am moved by that story.
Notes: The prefix 'con-' changes the meaning from physical to emotional movement.
Mnemonic: 'Con-' adds emotional depth to movement.