Discover the verb to assume /5 minutes of Spanish (English version) + Podcast

 

Hello, how are you! Good morning, good afternoon or good evening, depending on where you are or what time you're listening to us.

Welcome to another episode of fun learning Spanish! What's our topic?

Today we're going to talk about a very interesting verb: asumir. But, before we start, did you know that the verb asumir comes from Latin?

A verb that has been used a lot in Mexico these last few days... as the new president assumes). A verb that has been used a lot in Mexico these past few days... since the new president assumed office.

The verb asumir has its origin in the Latin word assūmō. This word is made up of two parts: ad, which means “towards” (towards), and sūmō, which means “to take” (to take). That is, it literally means “to take something towards oneself” (to take something towards oneself).

Entonces, asumir en español guarda el sentido de "tomar", como "hacerse cargo" o "aceptar una responsabilidad", ¿verdad? (So, "asumir" in Spanish carries the sense of "taking on," like "taking responsibility" or "accepting a duty," right?)

Exactly. When someone assumes something, they are taking on a responsibility, a charge or a duty. Yesterday something very important happened in Mexico City. The new president Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo officially took (asumió) office.

Es un ejemplo perfecto de cómo usamos este verbo en la vida diaria. (Yes, of course. The new president officially assumed her office. It’s a perfect example of how we use this verb in everyday life.)

The formal act is called “toma de protesta”. It was a very emotional ceremony. In the afternoon women representatives of many indigenous communities, dressed in their traditional costumes, paid tribute to her.

Many presidents and representatives of countries were present.

The president was very elegant in an ivory-colored dress, of course with traditional embroidery, by an artist from Oaxaca.

When else do we use this verb?

The verb is used not only for positions or responsibilities, but also in other contexts. For example, “to assume a risk” means to accept that something can go wrong and go ahead anyway.

The verb is also used not only for positions or responsibilities, but in other contexts. For example, “to assume a risk” means to accept that something might go wrong and go ahead anyway.

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