Inklingo

avance

ah-VAHN-sayaˈβanse

progress, advance

Also: breakthrough, development
NounmA2
A determined cartoon hiker taking a step forward on a path, looking up toward a flag planted on a hill, symbolizing progress.

📝 In Action

Hemos hecho un gran avance en el proyecto esta semana.

B1

We have made great progress on the project this week.

El avance de la tecnología es impresionante.

A2

The advance of technology is impressive.

El ejército ordenó el avance de las tropas.

B2

The army ordered the advance of the troops.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • retroceso (setback, retreat)
  • estancamiento (stagnation)

Common Collocations

  • gran avancegreat progress/breakthrough
  • avance científicoscientific advance

down payment

Also: cash advance, deposit
NounmB1
Mexico
Two stylized hands exchanging a small pile of gold coins for a decorative key, symbolizing a down payment.

📝 In Action

Tienes que dar un avance del 10% para reservar el coche.

B1

You have to give a 10% down payment to reserve the car.

Pedí un avance de mi sueldo para pagar las cuentas.

B2

I asked for a cash advance on my salary to pay the bills.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • anticipo (advance, down payment)
  • depósito (deposit)

Common Collocations

  • dar un avanceto make a down payment
  • solicitar un avanceto request an advance

trailer, preview

Also: teaser
NounmB1
A cartoon viewer sitting in a dark theater, eagerly watching a movie screen that displays a bright, exciting, but incomplete glimpse of an adventure scene, representing a trailer.

📝 In Action

Vi el avance de la nueva película y parece muy buena.

A2

I saw the trailer for the new movie and it looks very good.

El noticiero mostró un avance de las noticias de mañana.

B1

The news program showed a preview of tomorrow's news.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tráiler (trailer (Anglicism))
  • preestreno (pre-release showing)

Common Collocations

  • avance de películamovie trailer
  • avance exclusivoexclusive preview

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: avance

Question 1 of 2

Which English word best translates 'avance' in the sentence: 'El avance del 20% es obligatorio.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The Spanish word 'avance' comes directly from the verb 'avanzar', which itself originated in Old French ('avancer'). The core meaning has always been about moving something forward or making something happen earlier.

First recorded: 15th century (as a related verb form)

Cognates (Related words)

French: avancerItalian: avanzare

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'avance' the same as 'adelanto'?

They are very close synonyms! Both mean 'advance' or 'progress.' 'Avance' is often used for scientific or military progress, while 'adelanto' is very common for financial advances (like getting paid early) and general progress.

How do I know if 'avance' means 'progress' or 'trailer'?

Context is key. If you are talking about research, technology, or a project, it means 'progress.' If you are talking about a movie, show, or news segment, it means 'trailer' or 'preview'.