How to Say "progress" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “progress” is “progreso” — use this for general advancement or improvement in any situation, like personal development or a project's forward movement.
progreso
pro-GREH-sopɾoˈɣɾeso
Examples
Hemos notado un gran progreso en tu español esta semana.
We have noticed great progress in your Spanish this week.
El progreso de la medicina es impresionante.
The progress of medicine is impressive.
Para lograr el progreso social, necesitamos trabajar juntos.
To achieve social progress, we need to work together.
Gender and Articles
Since 'progreso' is a masculine noun, it must always be preceded by masculine words like 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an). It’s 'el progreso', never 'la progreso'.
Using the Wrong Verb
Mistake: “Decir 'Estamos progresando' when you mean to say 'We are making progress.'”
Correction: While 'progresar' (the verb) is correct, the most natural way to say 'make progress' is usually 'hacer progreso': 'Estamos haciendo progreso'.
avance
ah-VAHN-sayaˈβanse
Examples
Hemos hecho un gran avance en el proyecto esta semana.
We have made great progress on the project this week.
El avance de la tecnología es impresionante.
The advance of technology is impressive.
El ejército ordenó el avance de las tropas.
The army ordered the advance of the troops.
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though this word ends in '-e', it is always masculine, meaning you must use 'el' (el avance) or 'un' (un avance) before it.
Using 'el' vs 'la'
Mistake: “La avance”
Correction: El avance. Remember that 'avance' is masculine, so it always pairs with 'el'.
adelanto
ah-deh-LAHN-toha.ðe.ˈlan.to
Examples
El internet ha sido el mayor adelanto del siglo.
The internet has been the greatest progress of the century.
Hubo un gran adelanto en la investigación médica.
There was a big breakthrough in medical research.
Tu español muestra un adelanto increíble.
Your Spanish shows incredible progress.
Always Masculine
This word is always male ('el adelanto'). Even when talking about a group of improvements, it stays male ('los adelantos').
Adelanto vs. Adelante
Mistake: “Voy adelanto.”
Correction: Voy adelante.
evolución
Examples
La evolución de la tecnología ha cambiado nuestras vidas.
The evolution of technology has changed our lives.
marcha
MAR-chahˈmartʃa
Examples
El plan de construcción ya está en marcha.
The construction plan is already underway/operational.
Necesitamos garantizar la buena marcha del negocio.
We need to guarantee the smooth running/operation of the business.
civilización
Examples
La invención de la escritura fue un gran avance para la civilización.
The invention of writing was a great advance for civilization.
aprovechamiento
ah-pro-beh-chah-myehn-tohapɾoβetʃaˈmjento
Examples
Recibió un diploma por su buen aprovechamiento escolar.
He received a diploma for his good academic progress.
El profesor evalúa el aprovechamiento de los alumnos cada mes.
The teacher evaluates the students' performance every month.
Para obtener el certificado, se requiere un alto nivel de aprovechamiento.
To obtain the certificate, a high level of achievement is required.
Abstract Progress
In an academic sense, this word describes the 'amount' of knowledge a student has successfully 'taken in' from a course.
Not just 'grades'
Mistake: “Thinking 'aprovechamiento' only refers to the final grade.”
Correction: It refers to the overall process of learning and making the most of the educational opportunity.
Progreso vs. Avance
Related Translations
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