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How to Say "i appreciate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

agradezco

ah-grah-DESS-koh/a.ɣɾaˈðes.ko/

verbA1Formal acknowledgement
Use 'agradezco' when you want to formally thank someone or express gratitude for something specific they have done.
A small child giving a sincere, tight hug to an adult figure, symbolizing gratitude and thanks.

Examples

Te agradezco mucho tu ayuda con el proyecto.

I thank you very much for your help with the project.

Agradezco la oportunidad de trabajar aquí.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work here.

De antemano, agradezco su atención al asunto.

In advance, I thank you for your attention to the matter.

The 'Yo' Irregularity

The verb 'agradecer' is irregular only in the 'yo' (I) form of the present tense (and all forms of the present subjunctive). We add a 'z' before the 'c' to make it 'agradezco' instead of the expected 'agradeco.' This ensures the 'c' sound stays soft, like an 's'.

What to thank for (Preposition)

When you thank someone for a specific thing or action, you almost always use the preposition 'por' (for). Example: 'Agradezco por la cena' (I thank you for dinner).

Forgetting the 'z'

Mistake: “Yo agradeco por el regalo.”

Correction: Yo agradezco por el regalo. (Remember the 'z' in the 'yo' form.)

Confusing 'Agradezco' and 'Gracias'

Mistake: “Agradezco, necesito un café. (Using it as a standalone 'thanks'.)”

Correction: 'Agradezco' means 'I thank/I am grateful.' For a simple, standalone 'Thanks,' just use 'Gracias.'

aprecio

ah-PREH-see-oh/aˈpɾe.sjo/

verbA2to be thankful for
Use 'aprecio' when you want to express that you value or hold something in high regard, like an effort, a quality, or a gift.
A simple storybook illustration of a smiling person standing outdoors, holding their hands clasped near their chest, looking up gratefully at a bright, comforting sunbeam.

Examples

Yo aprecio mucho tu esfuerzo en este proyecto.

I really appreciate your effort on this project.

¿Qué es lo que más aprecio de mi ciudad?

What is it that I value most about my city?

Aprecio la puntualidad en mis empleados.

I value punctuality in my employees.

Regular -AR Verb

'Apreciar' is a standard, easy-to-conjugate verb. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' or 'cantar', you can conjugate 'apreciar' the exact same way!

The 'I' Form Only

Mistake: “Using 'aprecio' when you mean 'we appreciate' (*Nosotros aprecio*).”

Correction: Remember 'aprecio' only works when *I* am doing the action. For 'we', use 'apreciamos'.

Formal Thanks vs. Valuing Something

Learners often confuse 'agradezco' and 'aprecio' because both can express thanks. Remember that 'agradezco' is best for direct, formal thanks for an action, while 'aprecio' is more about valuing the quality or effort itself.

Related Translations

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