How to Say "establish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “establish” is “construir” — use 'construir' when establishing something abstract, like trust, a reputation, or a system, rather than a physical object..
construir
kohn-stroo-EER/kon.stɾuˈiɾ/
Examples
Es difícil construir confianza después de una mentira.
It is difficult to build trust after a lie.
El abogado construyó su argumento basándose en la evidencia.
The lawyer constructed his argument based on the evidence.
Necesitamos construir un futuro más sostenible.
We need to build a more sustainable future.
Abstract Use
This meaning uses construir exactly like the physical sense, but the 'object' is something non-physical, like an idea, a relationship, or a system.
levantar
/leh-vahn-tar//leβanˈtaɾ/
Examples
Los obreros levantaron el nuevo edificio en solo seis meses.
The workers built the new building in only six months.
El gobierno necesita levantar más fondos para el proyecto social.
The government needs to raise more funds for the social project.
El director decidió levantar la prohibición de usar móviles.
The director decided to lift (abolish) the ban on using cell phones.
Figurative Use
This meaning extends the idea of 'lifting' something physical to 'lifting' a structure, a sum of money, or a restriction.
Abstract vs. Physical
Related Translations
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