How to Say "lessen" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “lessen” is “reducir” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Tenemos que reducir los gastos del viaje.
We have to reduce the trip expenses.
Si reduces la velocidad, llegaremos tarde.
If you reduce the speed, we will arrive late.
El doctor me aconsejó reducir el consumo de sal.
The doctor advised me to cut down on salt consumption.
The 'Z-C' Change
In the 'yo' form of the present tense, 'reducir' changes the 'c' to 'z' before the 'o': 'reduzco'. This helps the sound stay consistent.
The 'J' Past Tense
In the simple past (preterite), 'reducir' uses a 'j' sound, like 'reduje' (I reduced). This is shared by many verbs ending in -ducir.
Forgetting the 'Z' in Present Tense
Mistake: “Yo reduco los impuestos.”
Correction: Yo reduzco los impuestos. (Remember the 'z' in the first person singular and all of the special wish/command forms.)
Related Translations
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