How to Say "to boost" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to boost” is “aumentar” — use 'aumentar' when you want to express a general increase in quantity, size, or intensity, like raising morale or production levels.
aumentar
ow-men-TARaw.menˈtaɾ
Examples
Necesitamos aumentar la velocidad para llegar a tiempo.
We need to increase the speed to arrive on time.
El jefe prometió aumentar mi salario el próximo año.
The boss promised to raise my salary next year.
Por favor, aumenta el volumen de la música.
Please, turn up the volume of the music.
Using 'Aumentar' Transitively
In this sense, 'aumentar' is transitive, meaning it must act upon a direct object (the thing being increased): 'Aumento [el volumen].'
Confusing Transitive and Intransitive
Mistake: “La temperatura se aumentó el sol. (The sun increased the temperature.)”
Correction: El sol aumentó la temperatura. (The sun increased the temperature.) – Only use 'se' if the temperature increases itself.
incrementar
een-creh-men-tahrinkɾemenˈtaɾ
Examples
La empresa quiere incrementar sus ventas este año.
The company wants to increase its sales this year.
Necesitamos incrementar la seguridad en el evento.
We need to boost security at the event.
Hacer ejercicio ayuda a incrementar tu energía diaria.
Exercising helps to increase your daily energy.
A Regular Friend
This verb is completely regular. It follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in '-ar,' making it very easy to conjugate once you know the basics.
Making things grow
Use this word when one thing makes another thing larger or more intense. It usually answers the question 'What are you increasing?' (e.g., prices, speed, or efforts).
Numbers vs. Objects
Mistake: “Using it for physical height like 'incremente mi altura'.”
Correction: Say 'crecí' (I grew) or 'soy más alto'. 'Incrementar' is better for amounts, quantities, or abstract things like 'pressure' or 'sales'.
reforzar
ray-for-SARrefoɾˈsaɾ
Examples
Necesitamos reforzar los muros de la casa.
We need to reinforce the walls of the house.
El profesor quiere reforzar los conocimientos básicos.
The teacher wants to strengthen basic knowledge.
La policía decidió reforzar la seguridad durante el concierto.
The police decided to beef up security during the concert.
The 'O' to 'UE' Change
This verb is a 'stem-changer.' In the present tense, the letter 'o' changes to 'ue' in all forms except for 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros).
Spelling Change in Preterite
In the 'yo' form of the past tense, the 'z' changes to a 'c' before the letter 'e' to keep the sound correct (reforcé).
Missing the Stem Change
Mistake: “Yo reforzo mis estudios.”
Correction: Yo refuerzo mis estudios. Because it's a stem-changing verb, the 'o' must become 'ue' when stressed.
Confusing with 'Force'
Mistake: “Me reforzaron a ir.”
Correction: Me obligaron a ir. 'Reforzar' means to strengthen something that exists, while 'obligar' is used to force someone to do something.
impulsar
eem-pool-SARim.pulˈsaɾ
Examples
El gobierno quiere impulsar el empleo juvenil.
The government wants to boost youth employment.
Su ambición lo impulsó a estudiar dos carreras.
His ambition drove him to study two degrees.
El motor impulsa las hélices del avión.
The engine propels the airplane's propellers.
Using it with people
When saying that something 'drove' a person to do something, use the pattern: 'impulsar a (persona) a (verbo)'. Example: 'Me impulsó a viajar' (It drove me to travel).
Boosting Projects vs. People
Use this word when you want to describe giving 'momentum' or a 'push' to something that was stagnant or just starting.
Pushing a door
Mistake: “No puedo impulsar la puerta.”
Correction: No puedo empujar la puerta.
potenciar
poh-ten-syahrpo.tenˈsjaɾ
Examples
Queremos potenciar el turismo en nuestra ciudad.
We want to boost tourism in our city.
Este curso te ayudará a potenciar tus habilidades creativas.
This course will help you maximize your creative skills.
El gobierno busca potenciar la economía local.
The government seeks to strengthen the local economy.
A Regular Action
This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in '-ar,' so you can conjugate it just like 'hablar' or 'caminar.'
Using it with Objects
You usually use this word to talk about 'what' you are boosting. In Spanish, we say 'potenciar algo' (to boost something) directly without extra words.
Boosting People
Mistake: “Using 'potenciar' to mean 'to promote someone at work'.”
Correction: Use 'ascender' for job promotions. Use 'potenciar' for boosting someone's skills or potential, not their job title.
estimular
es-tee-moo-laresti muˈlaɾ
Examples
El café estimula el sistema nervioso.
Coffee stimulates the nervous system.
El gobierno quiere estimular la economía con nuevos préstamos.
The government wants to boost the economy with new loans.
La luz solar estimula la producción de vitamina D.
Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D.
No 'a' for things
Unlike when you stimulate people, you don't use 'a' when talking about objects or systems: 'Estimular la economía' (not 'a la economía').
Confusing with 'simular'
Mistake: “El café simula el cerebro.”
Correction: El café estimula el cerebro. 'Simular' means 'to pretend' or 'to simulate,' which is very different!
inyectar
een-yek-TARiɲekˈtaɾ
Examples
La empresa necesita inyectar capital para no cerrar.
The company needs to inject capital to avoid closing.
Su llegada inyectó optimismo en todo el departamento.
His arrival boosted optimism throughout the department.
Queremos inyectar sangre nueva en el proyecto.
We want to inject new blood into the project.
Abstract Use
Just like in English, you can 'inject' things that aren't liquid, like money or feelings. The grammar stays exactly the same.
General Increase vs. Specific Action
Related Translations
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