duplicar
“duplicar” means “to double” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to double
Also: to increase twofold
📝 In Action
Queremos duplicar las ganancias el próximo año.
A2We want to double the profits next year.
Si duplicas la cantidad de harina, la masa quedará mejor.
B1If you double the amount of flour, the dough will turn out better.
La población de la ciudad se ha duplicado en una década.
B2The city's population has doubled in a decade.
to duplicate
Also: to replicate
📝 In Action
Necesito duplicar esta llave para mi hermana.
B1I need to duplicate this key for my sister.
No debes duplicar el contenido en tu sitio web.
B1You should not duplicate content on your website.
El sistema ha duplicado los archivos por error.
B2The system has duplicated the files by mistake.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: duplicar
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'yo' form in the past tense (Preterite)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'duplicāre', which comes from 'duo' (two) and 'plicāre' (to fold). Literally, it meant 'to fold into two parts'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'duplicar' and 'doblar'?
'Duplicar' specifically means multiplying by two (quantity) or making an exact copy. 'Doblar' can mean doubling in size, but it most commonly refers to the physical action of folding something (like paper or clothes) or turning a corner.
Is 'duplicar' regular?
Mostly, yes. It follows the standard -ar pattern, except for a small spelling change (c to qu) when the ending starts with an 'e' (like in the past tense 'yo' form or the 'special wish' forms).
Can I use 'duplicar' for making a copy of a key?
Yes! In Spanish, you 'duplicas una llave' when you go to the hardware store to get a second copy made.