Spanish word

recurrir

Pronunciation

IPA/rekuˈriɾ/

Meaning

  • verbrely on

Example

Si tengo problemas, siempre recurro a mi hermana.

If I have problems, I always rely on my sister.

Illustration for recurrir (rely on)

More examples

Cuando tengo dudas, recurrir a la ayuda de un amigo me tranquiliza.

When I have doubts, asking for help from a friend calms me.

Core concept

Person turning to a friend or tool to solve a problem.

Common phrases

  • recurrir a alguien

    depend on someone

  • recurrir a la ayuda

    ask for help

  • recurrir a la violencia

    resort to violence

Similar words

acudir: Goes to a place or person seen as a source of help or information.
pedir: Requests help or something needed from another person.
confiar: Has confidence in someone and expects their support when needed.

Definition in Spanish

Valerse de una persona, cosa o recurso como medio para resolver una necesidad o un problema.

Word origin

Derives from Latin recurrere 'run back' (re- 'back' + currere 'run'), with a semantic shift to 'turn to' or 'resort to' in Spanish.

Usage tips

  • Recurrir commonly takes the preposition a (recurrir a alguien/a algo) and is slightly more formal than pedir ayuda in casual speech.

Other meanings

  • resort toverb
  • appealverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word