How to Say "to enlarge" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to enlarge” is “ampliar” — use 'ampliar' when you are physically increasing the size of something, such as a room, a document, or a photo..
ampliar
/ahm-plee-AHR//amˈpljaɾ/
Examples
Vamos a ampliar la sala de estar para que quepa más gente.
We are going to enlarge the living room so it fits more people.
Queremos ampliar la cocina el próximo año.
We want to enlarge the kitchen next year.
He ampliado esta foto para ver mejor los detalles.
I have enlarged this photo to see the details better.
La empresa quiere ampliar su mercado a otros países.
The company wants to expand its market to other countries.
The Hidden Accent Mark
Even though it looks like a normal '-ar' verb, the 'i' gets a little hat (accent mark) in many present tense forms to show that it's the strongest sound in the word, like in 'yo amplío'.
Making Things Bigger
Use this verb whenever something physically grows in size or when you are adding space to a building.
The Missing Accent
Mistake: “Yo amplio la imagen.”
Correction: Yo amplío la imagen. (Without the accent, it sounds like 'AM-plio' instead of the correct 'am-PLEE-oh'.)
expandir
/eks-pan-DEER//ekspanˈdiɾ/
Examples
El globo se expandió hasta que explotó.
The balloon expanded until it burst.
El calor hace que el metal se expanda.
Heat causes metal to expand.
Necesitamos expandir nuestro taller porque no hay espacio.
We need to expand our workshop because there is no space.
El universo se está expandiendo constantemente.
The universe is constantly expanding.
When to add 'se'
Use 'expandirse' when something gets bigger on its own (like a balloon or a gas). Use 'expandir' when someone is actively making something bigger.
Don't confuse with 'expander'
Mistake: “Yo expando el negocio.”
Correction: This is correct, but many learners try to say 'expando' using 'er' endings. Remember it's an 'ir' verb: expandimos, not expandemos.
magnificar
/mahg-nee-fee-KAHR//maɣnifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
El microscopio puede magnificar las células diminutas.
The microscope can magnify tiny cells.
Esta lupa puede magnificar la imagen hasta diez veces.
This magnifying glass can magnify the image up to ten times.
El microscopio sirve para magnificar las bacterias.
The microscope is used to magnify bacteria.
Es necesario magnificar el mapa para ver los nombres de las calles.
It is necessary to enlarge the map to see the street names.
The 'C' to 'QU' Switch
When you say 'I magnified' (magnifiqué), the letter 'c' changes to 'qu' so the word keeps its hard 'K' sound. This happens whenever the verb ending starts with an 'e'.
Direct Action
This verb acts directly on the object. You don't need to add 'a' or 'de' after it; just say 'magnificar la imagen'.
Confusing with volume
Mistake: “Magnificar el radio.”
Correction: Subir el volumen del radio. 'Magnificar' is for visual size, not sound levels.
Ampliar vs. Magnificar for Size
Related Translations
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