crecer
/kreh-SEHR/
to grow
Crecer means 'to grow' in physical size, like a small seed becoming a large plant.
crecer(verb)
to grow
?physical size (person, animal, plant)
to get bigger
📝 In Action
Mi sobrina ha crecido mucho este año.
A1My niece has grown a lot this year.
Las flores crecen mejor bajo el sol directo.
A2Flowers grow better under direct sun.
Yo crezco y me hago más fuerte cada día.
A1I grow and become stronger every day.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'zc' Spelling Fix
In the 'yo' form of the present tense ('yo crezco'), the 'c' changes to 'zc'. This is a spelling rule used in many '-cer' verbs (like 'conocer') to make sure the 'c' keeps a soft 's' sound before the 'o'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Past Participle
The past participle 'crecido' is used to describe something that has finished growing or is fully grown, often used with 'haber' or 'estar'.
Crecer also means 'to grow up' or mature emotionally and mentally.
crecer(verb)
to grow up
?to mature; to develop emotionally
to be raised
?where one spent their childhood
📝 In Action
Todavía tiene que crecer y aprender de sus errores.
B1He still has to grow up and learn from his mistakes.
¿Dónde creciste, en la ciudad o en el campo?
A2Where did you grow up, in the city or the countryside?
⭐ Usage Tips
The Emotional Meaning
When talking about personality or character, 'crecer' means becoming more mature or responsible, similar to how we use 'grow up' in English.
Crecer can describe an 'increase' in quantity, volume, or intensity, such as the amount of water in a container.
crecer(verb)
to increase
?numbers, volume, intensity, statistics
to rise
?level (e.g., water or sound)
,to expand
?business, market share
📝 In Action
La demanda de energía solar ha crecido exponencialmente.
B2The demand for solar energy has grown exponentially.
El nivel del agua creció tras la tormenta.
B2The water level rose after the storm.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: crecer
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the special 'zc' spelling change?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'crecer' sometimes use 'zc' (crezco) and sometimes 'c' (creces)?
This is purely a spelling fix to keep the sound consistent! In Spanish, 'c' before 'a' or 'o' makes a hard 'k' sound (like in *casa*). To keep the soft 's' sound (like in *cebolla* or *creces*) when adding the 'o' ending for 'yo', the 'z' is added: c + z + o = 'crezco'. This ensures the pronunciation stays soft.
Is 'crecer' transitive or intransitive?
'Crecer' is generally an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. Things 'grow' by themselves (El niño crece). If you want to say you are actively growing something (like a plant), you typically use a different verb like 'cultivar' or 'plantar'.