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How to Say "to collaborate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

colaborar

ko-la-bo-RARkolaβoˈɾaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'colaborar' when you want to express working together with others on a specific project or task, often implying a shared goal or creative endeavor.
Two people working together to build a small wooden birdhouse on a table.

Examples

Me gusta colaborar con personas creativas.

I like to collaborate with creative people.

Todos debemos colaborar para terminar a tiempo.

We all must work together to finish on time.

Ella colaboró estrechamente con el equipo de diseño.

She collaborated closely with the design team.

Choosing the right connector

Use 'con' to name the person you are working with, and 'en' to name the specific task or project.

A regular star

This verb is completely regular. It follows the exact same patterns as 'hablar', making it easy to conjugate once you know the basics.

Avoid using 'a' for people

Mistake: “Colaboro a mi jefe.”

Correction: Colaboro con mi jefe. In Spanish, you collaborate 'with' (con) someone, not 'to' them.

cooperar

koh-oh-peh-RAHRko.o.peˈɾaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'cooperar' when the focus is on the act of sharing effort or contributing to a common cause, often for efficiency or mutual benefit.
Two people working together to plant a small tree in a garden.

Examples

Si todos cooperamos, terminaremos el trabajo más rápido.

If we all cooperate, we will finish the work faster.

Es importante cooperar con los demás miembros del equipo.

It is important to cooperate with the other team members.

Using 'con' and 'en'

When you cooperate with a person, use 'con' (cooperar con alguien). When you cooperate in an activity, use 'en' (cooperar en algo).

Pronunciation of Double 'O'

Mistake: “Pronouncing it as a single 'o' or a 'u' sound.”

Correction: Make sure to pronounce both 'o' sounds clearly: /ko-o-pe-rar/.

Colaborar vs. Cooperar

Learners often use 'colaborar' and 'cooperar' interchangeably. Remember that 'colaborar' is more about actively working *on* something together, while 'cooperar' is more about sharing effort or helping out.

Related Translations

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