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How to Say "increase" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “increase” is “aumento” — use 'aumento' for a general rise in quantity, size, or degree, often seen in statistical contexts or everyday observations.

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aumento

a-oo-MEN-tohawˈmento

nounA2general
Use 'aumento' for a general rise in quantity, size, or degree, often seen in statistical contexts or everyday observations.
A vibrant green seedling dramatically growing taller and thicker out of brown soil, illustrating general growth and increase.

Examples

Hubo un gran aumento en la población de la ciudad este año.

There was a large increase in the city's population this year.

El aumento del nivel del mar es un problema global.

The rise in sea level is a global problem.

Necesitamos un aumento de la seguridad en la zona.

We need an increase in security in the area.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', which is typical for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine article 'el' (el aumento).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La aumento de precios.”

Correction: El aumento de precios. (Remember to use 'el' because 'aumento' is masculine.)

crecimiento

kreh-see-mee-EN-tohkɾe.siˈmjen.to

nounB1general
Choose 'crecimiento' when referring to growth in value, especially in economic contexts, or organic development.
A tall, stable column made entirely of identical, brightly colored rectangular building blocks, symbolizing steady accumulation and increase.

Examples

El gobierno celebra el crecimiento económico del último trimestre.

The government is celebrating the economic growth of the last quarter.

Leer mucho me ha ayudado con mi crecimiento personal.

Reading a lot has helped me with my personal growth.

El crecimiento de usuarios de la aplicación fue exponencial.

The growth in the application's users was exponential.

Abstract Noun Usage

Like many abstract nouns in Spanish, 'crecimiento' often requires a definite article ('el') even when used generally. E.g., 'El crecimiento es necesario' (Growth is necessary).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'crecimiento' when you should use the verb 'crecer'. E.g., 'La economía crecimiento mucho.'”

Correction: Use the verb: 'La economía creció mucho.' ('Crecimiento' is the noun, 'creció' is the past tense verb form.)

incremento

een-creh-MEN-tohiŋkɾeˈmento

nounB1general
Use 'incremento' for a general growth in size, amount, or intensity, often implying a more formal or technical context than 'aumento'.
A stack of colorful wooden blocks growing taller from left to right.

Examples

Hubo un incremento en las ventas este mes.

There was an increase in sales this month.

El incremento del tráfico es un problema en la ciudad.

The increase in traffic is a problem in the city.

Los científicos observaron un incremento notable en la temperatura del agua.

Scientists observed a notable rise in the water temperature.

Linking with 'de'

To explain what is growing or increasing, always use the word 'de' (of) right after 'incremento'. For example: 'incremento de energía' (increase of energy).

Masculine Gender

Even though it describes growth (which feels like an action), it is a masculine naming word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el incremento'.

Confusing Nouns and Verbs

Mistake: “Yo incremento las ventas.”

Correction: Yo incremento las ventas (using the verb 'incrementar') OR 'Hay un incremento en las ventas'.

subida

soo-BEE-dahsuˈβiða

nounB1general
Employ 'subida' for a noticeable rise in value or quantity, particularly for prices, levels, or temperatures.
A balloon flying high above a field of flowers.

Examples

La subida de los precios de la gasolina nos afecta a todos.

The rise in gas prices affects us all.

Esperamos una subida de las temperaturas este fin de semana.

We expect a rise in temperatures this weekend.

Ha habido una subida en la bolsa hoy.

There has been a rise in the stock market today.

Using 'de' with subida

When talking about what increased, always use 'de': 'subida de precios', 'subida de nivel'.

Gender Trap

Mistake: “El subida de precio.”

Correction: La subida de precio.

suba

SOO-bahˈsu.βa

nounB2general
Opt for 'suba' when discussing a general rise or elevation, often used for prices, taxes, or levels, similar to 'subida' but sometimes with a more official tone.
A vibrant red and yellow hot air balloon slowly rising high into a sunny, blue sky, symbolizing an increase or rise.

Examples

El gobierno anunció una suba de los impuestos al consumo.

The government announced a rise in consumption taxes.

Hubo una suba inesperada en la bolsa de valores.

There was an unexpected increase in the stock market.

Gender Check

As a noun, 'suba' is feminine, so you must use 'la suba' or 'una suba.' Do not confuse it with the masculine noun 'el aumento'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “La suba los precios fue grande. (Using the verb form 'suba' where the noun is needed)”

Correction: La subida de los precios fue grande. OR La suba de precios fue grande. (Use the noun 'suba' or 'subida' to talk about the event.)

General vs. Specific Increase

Learners often confuse 'aumento' and 'incremento' as they both mean general increase. While interchangeable in many casual contexts, 'aumento' is more common for everyday quantity changes, while 'incremento' can sound slightly more formal or technical. Pay attention to context, especially in business or scientific writing.

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