variar
verbCEFR B2
What does “variar” mean in English?
to vary, to differ
to vary, to differ (variar — change or differ across cases, regions, or conditions)
Example sentences
Los resultados varían considerablemente según la región, lo que dificulta extraer conclusiones de carácter general.
The results vary considerably according to the region, which makes it difficult to draw general conclusions.
El precio de la suscripción varía en función del número de usuarios y del plan elegido.
The subscription price varies depending on the number of users and the plan chosen.
Los síntomas pueden variar de un paciente a otro, lo que complica el diagnóstico precoz.
Symptoms can vary from patient to patient, which complicates early diagnosis.
How to use it
Variar means 'to vary' or 'to differ'. It is intransitive in the statistical/analytical sense: los resultados varían (results vary), el precio varía según la región. It can be transitive when meaning to change/alter something: variaron la estrategia (they varied their strategy). Key constructions: variar según (vary according to), variar en función de (vary as a function of), variar considerablemente/notablemente. The noun is variación (variation).
Common mistake
Variar (differ/vary across cases) vs. cambiar (change over time). Variar is about difference across a range or set; cambiar is about transformation over time. 'The price changes' over a month = el precio cambia. 'The price varies' across regions = el precio varía. Both are needed at B2 but they are not interchangeable.