Inklingo

How to Say "developed" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “developed” is “creció” — use this when referring to something or someone growing physically or increasing in size or quantity, like a child growing taller or a debt increasing..

English → Spanish

creció

verbA2general
Use this when referring to something or someone growing physically or increasing in size or quantity, like a child growing taller or a debt increasing.

Examples

Mi hijo creció mucho este verano. Ahora es más alto que yo.

My son grew a lot this summer. Now he is taller than me.

desarrollado

/deh-sah-rro-yah-doh//desaroˈʝado/

adjectiveB1general
This is the direct translation for 'developed' when describing countries, economies, or systems that are advanced and prosperous.
A modern cityscape with clean streets, solar panels, and a high-speed train.

Examples

Vivimos en un país muy desarrollado.

We live in a very developed country.

Han utilizado una tecnología muy desarrollada para el proyecto.

They have used a very advanced technology for the project.

Matching the Noun

Since this word is describing something, it must change its ending to match: 'desarrollado' (male), 'desarrollada' (female), 'desarrollados' (male plural), and 'desarrolladas' (female plural).

Don't forget the 'r'

Mistake: “desarolado”

Correction: desarrollado

crecido

kreh-SEE-doh/kɾeˈsiðo/

adjectiveA2informal
Use this adjective to describe someone or something that has grown physically and is now larger or more mature, often with a sense of surprise.
A tall, smiling adult standing confidently, representing someone who is grown up.

Examples

¡Qué crecido está tu hijo! No lo reconocí.

How grown up your son is! I didn't recognize him.

Las plantas están muy crecidas gracias a la lluvia.

The plants are very big/tall thanks to the rain.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'crecido' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'crecida' (feminine singular), 'crecidos' (masculine plural), and 'crecidas' (feminine plural).

Confusing 'crecido' and 'grande'

Mistake: “Using 'crecido' only for general size when 'grande' is better.”

Correction: 'Crecido' usually emphasizes the *process* of growth or height, whereas 'grande' is general bigness. 'Una casa grande' (A big house) vs. 'Un niño crecido' (A grown-up child).

construido

/kon-stru-EE-do//kõn.struˈi.ðo/

verbA2general
This verb form is used when referring to the act of physically building or constructing something tangible.
A smiling construction worker placing a small colorful flag on the roof of a newly completed, simple wooden birdhouse. Tools are resting nearby.

Examples

Nosotros hemos construido un refugio para la tormenta.

We have built a shelter for the storm.

La carretera fue construida en menos de un año.

The road was constructed in less than a year.

¿Alguna vez has construido algo con tus propias manos?

Have you ever built anything with your own hands?

The 'Haber' Team

When 'construido' works with the verb 'haber' (to have), it never changes its ending—it always stays 'construido', regardless of who did the building or what was built. (e.g., 'Yo he construido', 'Ellas han construido').

The Passive Voice

When 'construido' works with the verb 'ser' (to be) to show that something received the action (passive voice), it acts like an adjective and must agree in gender and number. (e.g., 'Las torres fueron construidas').

Changing the Participle with 'Haber'

Mistake: “Hemos construidas las casas.”

Correction: Hemos construido las casas. (The participle doesn't change when used with 'haber'.)

construyó

verbB2formal
Use this verb form when talking about creating or developing something abstract, like a theory, an argument, or a plan.

Examples

Ella construyó un argumento irrefutable en el debate.

She developed an irrefutable argument in the debate.

Confusing 'creció' and 'desarrollado'

Learners often confuse 'creció' (grew) and 'desarrollado' (developed). Remember that 'creció' refers to growth in size or quantity, while 'desarrollado' is specifically for advanced economies or systems.

Related Translations

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