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How to Say "development" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “development” is “desarrollo” — use 'desarrollo' for general progress, growth, or advancement, especially in economic, social, or technological contexts.

desarrollo🔊B1

Use 'desarrollo' for general progress, growth, or advancement, especially in economic, social, or technological contexts.

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avance🔊A2

Use 'avance' to indicate a specific step forward, progress made, or a breakthrough in a project or process.

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crecimiento🔊A2

Use 'crecimiento' for natural growth, maturation, or an increase in size or quantity, like that of a person, plant, or economy.

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evoluciónB1

Use 'evolución' to describe a gradual process of change, adaptation, or advancement over time, often applied to species or complex systems.

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formaciónA2

Use 'formación' specifically when 'development' refers to the process of acquiring skills, knowledge, or training for a job or activity.

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elaboraciónB2

Use 'elaboración' when 'development' means the careful creation or detailed planning of something like a document, theory, or strategy.

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English → Spanish

desarrollo

de-sah-RRO-yodesaˈroʎo

nounB1general
Use 'desarrollo' for general progress, growth, or advancement, especially in economic, social, or technological contexts.
A visualization of growth and progress, showing a tiny brown seed in the soil connected visually to a large, vibrant green seedling that is reaching upwards.

Examples

El desarrollo económico de la región ha mejorado mucho.

The economic development of the region has improved a lot.

Necesitas un plan para tu desarrollo profesional.

You need a plan for your professional development.

El desarrollo de la película fue lento pero interesante.

The unfolding/development of the film was slow but interesting.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', this word is always masculine, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el desarrollo'.

Linking with 'de'

To say 'the development OF something,' you almost always need the word 'de': 'el desarrollo de la tecnología' (the development of technology).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'desarrollo' when you mean the verb 'develop' (desarrollar).”

Correction: Remember 'desarrollo' is the *thing* (the progress), while 'desarrollar' is the *action* (to make progress).

avance

ah-VAHN-sayaˈβanse

nounA2general
Use 'avance' to indicate a specific step forward, progress made, or a breakthrough in a project or process.
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'.

crecimiento

kreh-see-mee-EN-tohkɾe.siˈmjen.to

nounA2general
Use 'crecimiento' for natural growth, maturation, or an increase in size or quantity, like that of a person, plant, or economy.
A tiny, bright green seedling with two small leaves emerging from a patch of dark brown soil, reaching toward the sun.

Examples

El rápido crecimiento del bebé sorprendió a sus abuelos.

The baby's rapid growth surprised his grandparents.

Necesitas vitaminas para asegurar un buen crecimiento óseo.

You need vitamins to ensure good bone growth.

The '-miento' Suffix

The ending '-miento' is a clue that a word is a masculine noun. It usually means 'the result of the action' or 'the process of the action' described by the verb (crecer = to grow).

evolución

nounB1general
Use 'evolución' to describe a gradual process of change, adaptation, or advancement over time, often applied to species or complex systems.

Examples

La evolución de la tecnología ha cambiado nuestras vidas.

The evolution of technology has changed our lives.

formación

nounA2general
Use 'formación' specifically when 'development' refers to the process of acquiring skills, knowledge, or training for a job or activity.

Examples

Necesitas más formación para ese puesto de trabajo.

You need more training for that job position.

elaboración

nounB2formal
Use 'elaboración' when 'development' means the careful creation or detailed planning of something like a document, theory, or strategy.

Examples

Estamos trabajando en la elaboración de un nuevo plan estratégico.

We are working on the development of a new strategic plan.

General Progress vs. Specific Steps

Learners often confuse 'desarrollo' (general progress) with 'avance' (a specific step forward). Think if you're talking about the overall improvement of something ('desarrollo') or a particular positive movement or achievement within it ('avance').

Related Translations

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