How to Say "to diminish" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to diminish” is “disminuir” — use 'disminuir' when talking about reducing the quantity, amount, or abstract concepts like pain, influence, or consumption.
Use 'disminuir' when talking about reducing the quantity, amount, or abstract concepts like pain, influence, or consumption.
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Choose 'debilitar' when referring to a decrease in the physical strength, intensity, or power of something, such as a signal, light, or even a person's health.
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Use 'restar' when implying that something is reducing the value, importance, or merit of something else, often in a negative way.
Learn more →dees-mee-nwee-eerdismiˈnwiɾ
Examples
Debes disminuir el consumo de sal.
You should reduce your salt intake.
La lluvia comenzó a disminuir por la tarde.
The rain began to let up in the afternoon.
La empresa quiere disminuir los gastos este año.
The company wants to decrease expenses this year.
The 'Y' spelling change
For verbs ending in -uir, the letter 'i' often changes to a 'y' when you say things like 'I decrease' (disminuyo) or 'they decrease' (disminuyen) to keep the pronunciation smooth.
Talking about percentages
When you want to say something decreased BY a certain amount, use the word 'en'. For example: 'Disminuyó en un 20%' (It decreased by 20%).
Avoid 'disminuó'
Mistake: “Él disminuó el precio.”
Correction: Él disminuyó el precio. Remember to use a 'y' for the 'he/she/it' form in the past (preterite) and present tenses.
deh-bee-lee-tahrdeβiliˈtaɾ
Examples
Las nubes debilitaron la luz del sol.
The clouds diminished the sunlight.
La falta de inversión está debilitando el sistema educativo.
The lack of investment is weakening the educational system.
Cause and Effect
When used for systems or light, the subject is usually the cause (the clouds, the lack of money).
rreh-stahrresˈtaɾ
Examples
Sus palabras le restan mérito a tu trabajo.
His words diminish the merit of your work.
Ese error no le resta valor a tu esfuerzo.
That mistake doesn't take away from your effort.
La lluvia le restó brillo a la fiesta de graduación.
The rain took the shine away from the graduation party.
Abstract Subtraction
This version of 'restar' is for ideas, not numbers. It works exactly the same way grammatically, but describes quality instead of quantity.
Disminuir vs. Debilitar
Learners often confuse 'disminuir' and 'debilitar'. Remember that 'disminuir' is generally for quantity or abstract reduction, while 'debilitar' specifically refers to a loss of strength or intensity, often physical.
Related Translations
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