Inklingo

How to Say "breakthrough" in Spanish

English → Spanish

avance

ah-VAHN-say/aˈβanse/

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

Examples

Hemos logrado un avance significativo en la cura de esta enfermedad.

We have achieved a significant breakthrough in the cure for this disease.

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'.

descubrimiento

des-koo-bree-mee-EN-toh/deskuβɾiˈmjento/

nounB2general
Choose 'descubrimiento' when the breakthrough involves finding or learning about something new for the first time, often a scientific or medical finding.
A large, sparkling purple gemstone sits alone on a pedestal inside a dark cave, highlighted by a single light source, representing the specific item that was found.

Examples

El descubrimiento de la penicilina fue un hito en la medicina.

The discovery of penicillin was a breakthrough in medicine.

El nuevo descubrimiento médico podría salvar millones de vidas.

The new medical breakthrough could save millions of lives.

Este descubrimiento arqueológico es el más importante del siglo.

This archaeological finding is the most important of the century.

despegue

/des-PAY-gay//desˈpeɣe/

nounB2general
Use 'despegue' to describe a sudden and impressive success or a rapid upward movement, particularly in economic or career contexts.
A small green sprout growing out of a pile of rich brown soil.

Examples

Tras años de esfuerzo, su carrera musical finalmente tuvo un despegue.

After years of effort, her music career finally had a breakthrough.

El despegue económico del país fue impresionante.

The country's economic surge was impressive.

Esta canción supuso el despegue de su carrera musical.

This song marked the launch of her musical career.

Avance vs. Descubrimiento

Learners often confuse 'avance' and 'descubrimiento'. Remember that 'avance' implies progress or a step forward in something already underway, while 'descubrimiento' refers to finding something entirely new. A scientific project might have an 'avance', but the finding itself is a 'descubrimiento'.

Related Translations

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