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How to Say "growing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

creciendo

kreh-see-en-dohkɾeˈθjendo

Verb (Present Participle / Gerund)A1General
Use this when describing something that is in the process of getting physically bigger or taller, often referring to living things.
A small green sapling plant pushing up through dark brown soil, illustrating physical growth.

Examples

Mi hijo está creciendo muy rápido, ya no le cabe la ropa.

My son is growing very fast; his clothes don't fit him anymore.

Las plantas están creciendo bien gracias a la lluvia.

The plants are growing well thanks to the rain.

El cachorro de mi vecino sigue creciendo y ya parece un oso.

My neighbor's puppy keeps growing and already looks like a bear.

Continuous Action

You use 'creciendo' mainly with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action happening right now or continuously: 'Está creciendo' (It is growing).

Gerund Form

'Creciendo' is the '-ing' form (the gerund). For '-er' and '-ir' verbs, you usually add '-iendo' to the stem.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “El niño es creciendo.”

Correction: El niño está creciendo. (Use 'estar' for temporary, ongoing actions like growth.)

creciente

kre-SYEN-tekɾeˈsjente

AdjectiveA2General
Use this to describe a trend, amount, or feeling that is increasing over time, rather than physical growth.
A small green sapling growing larger in three distinct stages.

Examples

Hay un interés creciente por aprender español.

There is a growing interest in learning Spanish.

La tensión creciente entre los dos países es preocupante.

The increasing tension between the two countries is worrying.

Esta noche veremos la luna creciente.

Tonight we will see the waxing moon.

One Form for All

This word ends in 'e', which means it doesn't change for boys or girls. You say 'el problema creciente' and 'la demanda creciente' without changing the ending.

Where to Put It

In Spanish, this word usually goes after the thing it describes. Say 'tensión creciente' instead of 'creciente tensión' to sound more natural.

Growing vs. Growth

Mistake: “El creciente de la ciudad es rápido.”

Correction: El crecimiento de la ciudad es rápido. Use 'crecimiento' for the act of growth (the noun) and 'creciente' for the description (the adjective).

cultivo

kool-TEE-bohkulˈti.βo

NounA2Agriculture/Gardening
Use this specifically when referring to the process or practice of farming and developing plants, like crops or vegetables.
A small green sprout growing out of a mound of dark brown soil.

Examples

El cultivo de hortalizas es muy común en esta zona.

The cultivation of vegetables is very common in this area.

La lluvia dañó los cultivos de trigo.

The rain damaged the wheat crops.

Necesitamos técnicas de cultivo más sostenibles.

We need more sustainable farming techniques.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', just remember it always takes 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change to 'cultiva' for girls!

Naming the Plant

When talking about a specific plant, use 'de' followed by the plant name, like 'cultivo de café' (coffee cultivation).

Cultivo vs. Cultura

Mistake: “La cultura de tomates es difícil.”

Correction: El cultivo de tomates es difícil. Use 'cultivo' for plants and 'cultura' for social traditions/arts.

Physical Growth vs. Increasing Trends

The most common mistake is using 'creciendo' (verb) when you mean an increasing trend or amount, for which 'creciente' (adjective) is correct. Remember, 'creciendo' is for things actively getting bigger, while 'creciente' describes a rise or increase.

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