consumo
“consumo” means “consumption” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
consumption
Also: use, intake
📝 In Action
Debemos reducir el consumo de plástico.
A2We must reduce plastic consumption.
Este coche tiene un consumo muy bajo.
B1This car has very low fuel consumption (it's fuel-efficient).
El consumo de energía sube en invierno.
A2Energy use goes up in winter.
I consume
Also: I use up
📝 In Action
Yo no consumo mucha carne.
A2I don't consume (eat) much meat.
Consumo mucha electricidad con el aire acondicionado.
B1I use a lot of electricity with the air conditioning.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: consumo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'I consume too much sugar'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'consumere', which comes from 'con-' (completely) and 'sumere' (to take). It implies taking something until it is finished.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'consumo' always mean eating?
No! While it can mean eating or drinking, it is very commonly used for using electricity, spending money, or using up any kind of resource.
How do I know if 'consumo' is 'I consume' or 'the consumption'?
Look at the words around it. If it has 'el' or 'un' before it, it's 'the consumption.' If it follows 'yo' or starts the sentence as an action, it's 'I consume.'