aumento
/a-oo-MEN-toh/
increase
Aumento means 'increase' when referring to a general rise in quantity or degree.
aumento(noun)
increase
?general rise in quantity or degree
,rise
?when talking about prices or temperatures
growth
?in statistics or population
,enlargement
?making something physically bigger
📝 In Action
Hubo un gran aumento en la población de la ciudad este año.
A2There was a large increase in the city's population this year.
El aumento del nivel del mar es un problema global.
B1The rise in sea level is a global problem.
Necesitamos un aumento de la seguridad en la zona.
B2We need an increase in security in the area.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', which is typical for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine article 'el' (el aumento).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "La aumento de precios."
Correction: El aumento de precios. (Remember to use 'el' because 'aumento' is masculine.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Verb Partner
The most common verb to use with 'aumento' is 'haber' (to have, often translated as 'there is/was'): 'Hubo un aumento' (There was an increase).
When referring to a salary increase, aumento translates to 'raise'.
aumento(noun)
raise
?salary increase
,pay increase
?compensation
hike
?informal term for a pay raise
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me prometió un aumento de sueldo para el próximo mes.
B1My boss promised me a pay raise next month.
Ella renunció porque no le dieron el aumento que pidió.
B2She quit because they didn't give her the raise she asked for.
Los empleados están pidiendo un aumento salarial justo.
B1The employees are asking for a fair salary increase.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Pay' Context
When talking about money or wages, 'aumento' often needs 'de sueldo' or 'salarial' attached to make the meaning clear: 'un aumento salarial'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for a Raise
The most natural way to express asking for a raise is 'pedir un aumento' (to ask for an increase).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: aumento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'aumento' in the specific sense of a 'pay raise'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'aumento' the same as 'incremento'?
Yes, they are essentially synonyms and both mean 'increase.' 'Aumento' is often more common in everyday spoken Spanish, while 'incremento' can sound slightly more formal or technical, especially in finance or statistics.
How do I use 'aumento' with the verb 'to increase'?
The verb form is 'aumentar.' You would say 'La población aumenta' (The population increases) or 'Ellos aumentaron los precios' (They increased the prices). 'Aumento' is the thing that happens (the increase itself).