reducir
/reh-doo-SEER/
reduce
This image shows how to reducir (reduce) the size of an object.
reducir(verb)
reduce
?to make smaller in size or quantity
,lower
?to decrease a price or speed
cut down
?to decrease consumption
,lessen
?to diminish intensity
📝 In Action
Tenemos que reducir los gastos del viaje.
B1We have to reduce the trip expenses.
Si reduces la velocidad, llegaremos tarde.
A2If you reduce the speed, we will arrive late.
El doctor me aconsejó reducir el consumo de sal.
B2The doctor advised me to cut down on salt consumption.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Z-C' Change
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, 'reducir' changes the 'c' to 'z' before the 'o': 'reduzco'. This helps the sound stay consistent.
The 'J' Past Tense
In the simple past (preterite), 'reducir' uses a 'j' sound, like 'reduje' (I reduced). This is shared by many verbs ending in -ducir.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Z' in Present Tense
Mistake: "Yo reduco los impuestos."
Correction: Yo reduzco los impuestos. (Remember the 'z' in the first person singular and all of the special wish/command forms.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Reducirse'
When you want to say something 'was reduced' by someone, use the passive voice. But when something 'shrinks' or 'gets smaller' on its own, use the reflexive form: 'La población se redujo.'
When you reducir (summarize) a long story, you shorten it into the main points.
reducir(verb)
summarize
?to shorten a text or argument
,boil down
?to get to the essence of something
simplify
?to make a complex idea easier to understand
📝 In Action
Es difícil reducir la teoría a una sola frase.
B2It is difficult to summarize the theory into a single sentence.
El periodista redujo el informe de 50 páginas a un párrafo.
C1The journalist boiled down the 50-page report to one paragraph.
💡 Grammar Points
Preposition 'A'
When summarizing, 'reducir' usually requires the preposition 'a' to indicate the final, smaller form: 'reducir [algo] a [otra cosa].'
The definition of reducir can also mean to be confined or limited to a specific space.
reducir(verb)
be limited to
?to be confined or restricted
,amount to
?to be essentially nothing more than
be confined to
?restriction
📝 In Action
El problema se reduce a una falta de comunicación.
C1The problem boils down to a lack of communication.
Sus tareas diarias se reducen a contestar correos.
B2His daily tasks are limited to answering emails.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive + Preposition 'A'
When using 'reducirse' (to limit oneself), it is always followed by the preposition 'a' to introduce the limitation: 'Se reduce A [the limitation].'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: reducir
Question 1 of 2
Which form of 'reducir' is used in the simple past tense (preterite) for 'I reduced'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'reducir' different from 'disminuir'?
'Reducir' often implies an intentional action to make something smaller (like reducing prices or waste). 'Disminuir' is broader and can describe a natural decline in something (like the light diminishing or a natural decrease in population).
Why is the first person singular 'yo' so strange ('reduzco')?
This is a feature of all verbs ending in -ducir (like 'conducir' or 'traducir'). The 'c' changes to 'zc' before the 'o' to maintain a specific sound pattern that Spanish prefers in that position.