How to Say "increasing" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “increasing” is “creciendo” — use this form when describing something that is actively growing in quantity, rate, or intensity in the present moment.
creciendo
kreh-see-en-dohkɾeˈθjendo
Examples
La economía del país está creciendo a un ritmo constante.
The country's economy is growing (increasing) at a constant rate.
El número de turistas que visitan la ciudad está creciendo cada año.
The number of tourists visiting the city is increasing every year.
La tensión entre los dos equipos estaba creciendo antes del partido.
The tension between the two teams was escalating (growing) before the match.
Use with 'Ir'
You can use 'ir' (to go) plus 'creciendo' to describe a gradual increase over time: 'El problema va creciendo' (The problem is gradually getting worse).
creciente
kre-SYEN-tekɾeˈsjente
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).
subiendo
soo-bee-EN-dohsuˈβjen̪do
Examples
La temperatura está subiendo rápidamente, va a hacer mucho calor.
The temperature is rising quickly; it's going to be very hot.
Hemos notado que los costos de la gasolina han estado subiendo todo el mes.
We have noticed that gasoline costs have been increasing all month.
La tensión entre los vecinos siguió subiendo hasta que intervino la policía.
The tension between the neighbors kept escalating until the police intervened.
Expressing Ongoing Trends
Use 'seguir' (to continue) or 'estar' (to be) followed by 'subiendo' to describe a continuous trend, like rising inflation or growing excitement.
progresivo
pro-gre-SEE-bopɾoɣɾeˈsiβo
Examples
El aprendizaje de un idioma es un proceso progresivo.
Learning a language is a progressive process.
Hubo un aumento progresivo en los precios durante el invierno.
There was a gradual increase in prices during the winter.
La empresa implementó un sistema de trabajo progresivo.
The company implemented a progressive work system.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this word is a description (an adjective), it must match the thing it describes. Use 'progresivo' for masculine things (un cambio) and 'progresiva' for feminine things (una mejora).
Natural Word Order
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the noun it describes, like 'desarrollo progresivo,' rather than before it.
Mixing up 'Progresivo' and 'Progresista'
Mistake: “Using 'progresivo' to describe a person's political views.”
Correction: Use 'progresista' for people or political movements. 'Progresivo' is almost always about the speed or nature of a change, not an ideology.
Gerund vs. Adjective
Related Translations
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