explotar
“explotar” means “to explode” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to explode, to blow up
Also: to burst
📝 In Action
La bomba explotó en el edificio abandonado.
A2The bomb exploded in the abandoned building.
El neumático explotó por la presión del aire.
B1The tire burst due to the air pressure.
Vimos que el volcán estaba a punto de explotar.
B2We saw that the volcano was about to erupt (explode).
to utilize, to tap into
Also: to mine, to develop
📝 In Action
Necesitamos explotar las energías renovables de la región.
B1We need to utilize the region's renewable energy sources.
El director supo explotar su talento para la música.
B2The director knew how to capitalize on his talent for music.
La compañía va a explotar un nuevo yacimiento de cobre.
C1The company is going to mine a new copper deposit.
to exploit, to abuse
Also: to overwork
📝 In Action
Muchos dueños de fábricas explotan a sus trabajadores con salarios bajos.
B2Many factory owners exploit their workers with low wages.
No podemos permitir que se explote la mano de obra infantil.
C1We cannot allow child labor to be exploited.
Sienten que sus jefes los explotan al hacerlos trabajar horas extras sin pago.
B2They feel their bosses are taking advantage of them by making them work unpaid overtime.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "explotar" in Spanish:
to abuse→to burst→to develop→to explode→to exploit→to mine→to overwork→to utilize→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: explotar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'explotar' in a way that implies unfair treatment?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin *explodere*, meaning 'to drive out by clapping' or 'to reject (an actor) by hissing.' Over time, this idea of a sudden, violent forcing out evolved into the modern sense of 'bursting' or 'blowing up.' The meaning of 'exploitation' came much later, related to intensive development or extraction.
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'explotar' always a negative word?
No. When referring to inanimate objects or resources (like energy, oil, or a talent), it simply means 'to utilize' or 'to develop intensively,' which is a neutral or positive concept. It is only negative when referring to the unfair treatment or abuse of people.
How do I say 'to take advantage of an opportunity' without the negative connotation?
Use the verb 'aprovechar' (to take advantage of/to make the most of). For example: 'Hay que aprovechar esta oportunidad.' (We must take advantage of this opportunity.)