Cansar vs. agotar
In Spanish, the verbs 'cansar' and 'agotar' both refer to the idea of tiring or exhausting someone or something. However, they are used in different contexts and convey slightly different nuances of meaning. Understanding the differences between these two verbs is essential for accurately expressing the degree and context of tiredness and exhaustion in Spanish.
Cansar
'Cansar' means to make someone feel physically or mentally tired. It can also be used in a reflexive way to mean to become tired yourself.
Este libro me cansa mucho.
(This book makes me very tired.)
Caminar tanto nos cansó rápido.
(Walking so much tired us out quickly.)
Me canso rápidamente haciendo ejercicio.
(I get tired quickly when exercising.)
Agotar
'Agotar' means to use up until nothing is left; it often refers to the complete exhaustion of resources, energy or strength.
El verano agota las reservas de agua del pueblo.
(The summer exhausts the town's water reserves.)
Esa maratón agotó todas mis energías.
(That marathon exhausted all my energy.)
El trabajo constante sin descanso nos agota.
(Constant work without rest exhausts us.)
Summary
While 'cansar' generally refers to the act of making someone feel tired, whether physically or mentally, without necessarily suggesting a complete depletion of energy, 'agotar' refers to a more intense form of exhaustion that could involve the complete depletion of resources, energy or strength. Both are important verbs for describing states of exhaustion, but are used in different contexts to convey the depth and nature of the exhaustion.