How to Say "breakthrough" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “breakthrough” is “avance” — use this for a significant step forward, especially in research, technology, or a project's development.
avance
ah-VAHN-sayaˈβanse
Examples
Hemos logrado un gran avance en la investigación del cáncer.
We have achieved a major breakthrough in cancer research.
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-tohdeskuβɾiˈmjento
Examples
El descubrimiento de la penicilina revolucionó la medicina.
The discovery of penicillin revolutionized 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.
adelanto
ah-deh-LAHN-toha.ðe.ˈlan.to
Examples
La introducción de la electricidad supuso un gran adelanto para la sociedad.
The introduction of electricity represented a great breakthrough for society.
El internet ha sido el mayor adelanto del siglo.
The internet has been the greatest progress of the century.
Hubo un gran adelanto en la investigación médica.
There was a big breakthrough in medical research.
Tu español muestra un adelanto increíble.
Your Spanish shows incredible progress.
Always Masculine
This word is always male ('el adelanto'). Even when talking about a group of improvements, it stays male ('los adelantos').
Adelanto vs. Adelante
Mistake: “Voy adelanto.”
Correction: Voy adelante.
innovación
Examples
Su última innovación tecnológica ha cambiado la forma de trabajar.
Their latest technological innovation has changed the way we work.
hallazgo
ah-YAZ-goaˈʝaðɣo
Examples
El hallazgo de fósiles antiguos nos da pistas sobre la evolución.
The finding of ancient fossils gives us clues about evolution.
El hallazgo de las llaves fue una gran suerte.
Finding the keys was great luck.
Los científicos anunciaron un nuevo hallazgo arqueológico.
The scientists announced a new archaeological discovery.
Este libro fue un verdadero hallazgo en la tienda de segunda mano.
This book was a real find in the thrift store.
A Noun from a Verb
This word is a noun made from the verb 'hallar' (to find). It describes either the act of finding something or the actual object that was found.
Always Masculine
Even if you find something feminine (like 'una joya' - a jewel), the word 'hallazgo' stays masculine: 'un hallazgo increíble'.
Using it for people
Mistake: “Conocí a un hallazgo hoy.”
Correction: Conocí a una persona increíble hoy. (Use 'hallazgo' for things or situations, only use it for people figuratively to say they are a 'real find').
despegue
des-PAY-gaydesˈpeɣe
Examples
El despegue de su carrera musical fue meteórico.
The takeoff of his music career was meteoric.
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.
Choosing between 'avance' and 'descubrimiento'
Related Translations
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