aprovechar
/ah-proh-veh-CHAR/
to take advantage of
Making good use of an opportunity: aprovechar means to take advantage of resources or chances.
aprovechar(verb)
to take advantage of
?to make good use of an opportunity or resource
,to make the most of
?a situation or resource
to use well
?time or materials
,to seize (an opportunity)
?opportunity or moment
📝 In Action
Aprovecha el sol mientras puedas.
A2Take advantage of the sun while you can.
Debemos aprovechar esta oportunidad para viajar.
B1We must make the most of this opportunity to travel.
¿Aprovechaste el descuento en la tienda?
B1Did you use the discount at the store?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Direct Object
When using 'aprovechar' to mean 'to make use of something,' the thing being used is the direct object: 'Aprovecho el día' (I take advantage of the day).
⭐ Usage Tips
A Common Farewell
In many Spanish-speaking countries, people often say '¡Que aproveche!' before someone starts eating. It means 'Enjoy your meal!' or 'Hope you make the most of it!'
When something is beneficial or helpful, it can aprovechar (to be useful).
aprovechar(verb)
to be useful
?to be beneficial or helpful
to benefit
?to yield positive results
📝 In Action
Este curso de cocina no me aprovecha mucho.
B1This cooking course isn't benefiting me much (or isn't very useful to me).
El esfuerzo que hiciste sí aprovechó.
B2The effort you made was indeed beneficial/useful.
💡 Grammar Points
Intransitive Use
In this sense, the subject of the sentence (e.g., 'the course' or 'the effort') is what is being useful. It doesn't take a direct object.
To exploit or misuse a situation or person is another way to aprovechar (to take advantage of).
aprovechar(verb)
to take advantage of
?to exploit or misuse a person or situation
📝 In Action
No te aproveches de la generosidad de tu hermana.
B2Don't take advantage of your sister's generosity.
Se aprovecharon de que yo no estaba para robarme.
C1They took advantage of the fact that I wasn't there to rob me.
💡 Grammar Points
The Necessary 'de'
When using the reflexive form ('aprovecharse'), you MUST include the small word 'de' before the thing or person you are taking advantage of.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'de'
Mistake: "Me aproveché la situación."
Correction: Me aproveché DE la situación. (You need 'de' to link the verb to the thing being exploited.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aprovechar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'aprovecharse de' (the reflexive form) correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'aprovechar' and 'aprovecharse de'?
The non-reflexive 'aprovechar' is usually positive: 'to make good use of' or 'to seize' a chance. The reflexive 'aprovecharse de' often has a negative tone, meaning 'to exploit' or 'to take unfair advantage of' a person or weakness.
Is 'aprovechar' a stem-changing verb?
No. 'Aprovechar' is a completely regular verb. Its stem (aprovech-) never changes when you conjugate it, making it easy to learn!