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How to Say "advance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “advance” is “avance” — use 'avance' when referring to forward movement, progress, or a development in a project or situation..

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avance

ah-VAHN-say/aˈβanse/

nounA2general
Use 'avance' when referring to forward movement, progress, or a development in a project or situation.
A determined cartoon hiker taking a step forward on a path, looking up toward a flag planted on a hill, symbolizing progress.

Examples

Hemos hecho un gran avance en el proyecto esta semana.

We have made great progress on the project this week.

El avance de la tecnología es impresionante.

The advance of technology is impressive.

El ejército ordenó el avance de las tropas.

The army ordered the advance of the troops.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always masculine, meaning you must use 'el' (el avance) or 'un' (un avance) before it.

Using 'el' vs 'la'

Mistake: “La avance”

Correction: El avance. Remember that 'avance' is masculine, so it always pairs with 'el'.

señal

nounB2general
Use 'señal' specifically when talking about an advance payment or a deposit made to secure something.

Examples

Para reservar el coche, tienes que dejar una señal de 200 euros.

To reserve the car, you have to leave a deposit of 200 euros.

Advance vs. Advance Payment

Learners often confuse 'avance' (progress) with 'señal' (deposit/down payment). Remember that 'avance' describes movement forward, while 'señal' is about money paid upfront.

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