How to Say "to abuse" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to abuse” is “explotar” — B2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Muchos dueños de fábricas explotan a sus trabajadores con salarios bajos.
Many factory owners exploit their workers with low wages.
No podemos permitir que se explote la mano de obra infantil.
We cannot allow child labor to be exploited.
Sienten que sus jefes los explotan al hacerlos trabajar horas extras sin pago.
They feel their bosses are taking advantage of them by making them work unpaid overtime.
Moral Weight
When used with people, 'explotar' always carries a negative meaning, implying unfairness or moral wrong. It is never positive.
Using 'explotar' for minor advantage
Mistake: “Voy a explotar la oportunidad de ir de compras.”
Correction: Use 'aprovechar' (Voy a aprovechar la oportunidad) if you mean taking a fair, minor advantage. 'Explotar' implies intensive or harmful use.
Related Translations
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