avanzar
/ah-vahn-SAHR/
to move forward
When referring to physical motion, avanzar means to move forward.
avanzar(verb)
to move forward
?physical motion
,to advance
?in position or location
to proceed
?following a route
📝 In Action
El coche no puede avanzar porque hay mucho tráfico.
A1The car cannot move forward because there is a lot of traffic.
Cuando la luz se puso verde, todos avanzamos.
A2When the light turned green, we all advanced (moved forward).
Los soldados avanzaron lentamente por el campo.
B1The soldiers proceeded slowly across the field.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Z' to 'C' Change
Because Spanish hates mixing 'z' and 'e' or 'i', the verb 'avanzar' changes the 'z' to a 'c' whenever the ending starts with an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (avancé) and the entire present subjunctive (avance, avancemos, etc.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: "Yo avanzé a la meta."
Correction: Yo avancé a la meta. (Always use 'c' before 'e'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Action, not State
'Avanzar' emphasizes the action of moving ahead, not just being ahead. Use it when describing movement or dynamic change.
In the context of development or improvement, avanzar means to progress.
avanzar(verb)
to progress
?development or improvement
,to make headway
?in a project or task
to move on
?in a discussion or topic
📝 In Action
Hemos avanzado mucho con el proyecto esta semana.
B1We have progressed a lot with the project this week.
La tecnología médica avanza a un ritmo increíble.
B2Medical technology is advancing at an incredible pace.
Necesitamos avanzar al siguiente punto de la agenda.
B1We need to move on to the next point on the agenda.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'avanzar' is used for progress, it often implies overcoming obstacles or moving toward a goal (e.g., 'Avanzamos a pesar de los problemas' - We progressed despite the problems).
⭐ Usage Tips
Progress in Studies
You can use 'avanzar' to talk about how well you are doing in a class or learning a language: 'Estoy avanzando mucho en español' (I am making a lot of progress in Spanish).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: avanzar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'avanzar' to mean 'to make progress' rather than 'to move physically'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'avanzar' transitive or intransitive?
'Avanzar' is usually used intransitively, meaning it doesn't need a direct object (like 'The car advances'). However, it can sometimes be used transitively, meaning it acts on something else, such as 'avanzar dinero' (to advance/lend money).
How do I remember the spelling change (z to c)?
Think of it as Spanish protecting the 's' sound! The letter 'z' makes that sound before 'a', 'o', or 'u'. But before 'e' or 'i', the letter 'c' is used to keep that sound consistent. So, 'avanzar' becomes 'avancé' and 'avance'.