Inklingo

How to Say "raise" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “raise” is “levantar” — use this word when you mean to physically move something to a higher position, like lifting your hand or an object..

levantar🔊A1

Use this word when you mean to physically move something to a higher position, like lifting your hand or an object.

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aumento🔊B1

This is the correct term for a financial increase, specifically a raise in your salary or wages.

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ascenso🔊B1

Use this word when referring to an increase in job rank or position, commonly known as a promotion.

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levanten🔊A2

This is the plural command form of 'levantar', used when asking multiple people to lift something or raise their hands/voices.

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suban🔊A2

Use this formal plural command when instructing people to move upwards to a higher location, like a different floor.

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lanzar🔊B2

This verb is used metaphorically to mean 'to throw' or 'to issue', such as raising a challenge, a question, or a cry.

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English → Spanish

levantar

/leh-vahn-tar//leβanˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use this word when you mean to physically move something to a higher position, like lifting your hand or an object.
A strong person lifting a heavy barbell above their head, demonstrating physical strength.

Examples

Por favor, levanta la mano si tienes una pregunta.

Please, raise your hand if you have a question.

El niño no pudo levantar la pesada caja de juguetes.

The boy couldn't lift the heavy toy box.

Levantamos la bandera al amanecer.

We raised the flag at dawn.

Direct Object Needed

When used this way, 'levantar' needs a thing or person to receive the action: 'Levanto el libro' (I lift the book).

aumento

/a-oo-MEN-toh//awˈmento/

nounB1general
This is the correct term for a financial increase, specifically a raise in your salary or wages.
A cartoon hand placing a tall, fresh stack of gold coins onto a smaller, existing stack of coins on a simple desk surface, symbolizing a salary raise.

Examples

Mi jefe me prometió un aumento de sueldo para el próximo mes.

My boss promised me a pay raise next month.

Ella renunció porque no le dieron el aumento que pidió.

She quit because they didn't give her the raise she asked for.

Los empleados están pidiendo un aumento salarial justo.

The employees are asking for a fair salary increase.

The 'Pay' Context

When talking about money or wages, 'aumento' often needs 'de sueldo' or 'salarial' attached to make the meaning clear: 'un aumento salarial'.

ascenso

/ahs-SEN-so//aˈsenso/

nounB1general
Use this word when referring to an increase in job rank or position, commonly known as a promotion.
A person in professional clothes smiling while stepping up onto a small, elevated platform, symbolizing a promotion.

Examples

Después de cinco años, finalmente conseguí el ascenso que merecía.

After five years, I finally got the promotion I deserved.

El ascenso a director implica un gran aumento de sueldo.

The advancement to director involves a big salary increase.

Le dieron el ascenso por su excelente desempeño.

They gave him the promotion for his excellent performance.

levanten

/leh-BAHN-tehn//leˈβanten/

verbA2general
This is the plural command form of 'levantar', used when asking multiple people to lift something or raise their hands/voices.
A group of happy children raising their hands high in a classroom setting.

Examples

Por favor, levanten la mano si tienen una pregunta.

Please, raise your hand if you have a question.

Quiero que levanten sus juguetes antes de salir.

I want you all to pick up your toys before going out.

Espero que ellos levanten el muro pronto.

I hope they build the wall soon.

Two Roles for 'Levanten'

This word works as a direct command for a group ('Levanten las manos!') and also in sentences where you express a wish ('Espero que levanten las cajas').

Addressing Groups

Use 'levanten' when talking to two or more people. In Latin America, this is used for any group; in Spain, it's the polite/formal way to address a group.

Levantan vs. Levanten

Mistake: “Using 'levantan' for a command.”

Correction: Say '¡Levanten!' for a command. 'Levantan' (with an 'a') is just a statement of fact, like 'they are lifting right now.'

suban

SOO-bahn/'su.βan/

verbA2formal
Use this formal plural command when instructing people to move upwards to a higher location, like a different floor.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing three children enthusiastically climbing a winding path up a small green hill.

Examples

¡Suban al tercer piso para la reunión!

Go up to the third floor for the meeting!

Señores, suban sus maletas al tren.

Gentlemen, bring your suitcases onto the train.

Suban el volumen, por favor, no oigo nada.

Turn up the volume, please, I can't hear anything.

Formal Plural Command

"Suban" is the command form used when addressing a group of people formally (like saying 'You all, go up'). It comes from the 'ustedes' form of the imperative mood.

Negative Commands

To tell a group NOT to go up, you just add 'no' in front: '¡No suban aquí!' (Don't go up here!).

Confusing Formal and Informal

Mistake: “Using 'suban' when speaking informally to friends in Spain (where 'vosotros' is used).”

Correction: For informal plural commands in Spain, use 'subid'. In Latin America, 'suban' is used for both formal and informal plural commands.

lanzar

lahn-ZAHR/lanˈθaɾ/

verbB2general
This verb is used metaphorically to mean 'to throw' or 'to issue', such as raising a challenge, a question, or a cry.
A cartoon figure standing on a small hill, cupping their hands around their mouth and shouting loudly, illustrated by strong visual lines indicating sound waves.

Examples

El público lanzó un grito de alegría al ver al cantante.

The audience let out a cry of joy upon seeing the singer.

El director lanzó una advertencia severa a los empleados.

The director issued a severe warning to the employees.

Salary vs. Promotion

Learners often confuse 'aumento' and 'ascenso'. Remember that 'aumento' specifically refers to a monetary increase (a pay raise), while 'ascenso' means a step up in your job position (a promotion).

Related Translations

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