Inklingo

How to Say "to exploit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

explotar

eks-plo-TAReks.ploˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'explotar' when referring to taking unfair advantage of people or unfairly using a resource, often implying unethical or harmful practices.
A very large person lounging comfortably in a chair while a very small, tired person struggles to push a disproportionately heavy load up a steep hill, illustrating unfair exploitation.

Examples

Los empresarios sin escrúpulos explotan a los trabajadores inmigrantes.

Unscrupulous employers exploit immigrant workers.

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.

exprimir

eks-pree-MEEReks.pɾiˈmiɾ

verbB2general
Use 'exprimir' when you mean to make the most of a situation, time, or resource, extracting maximum benefit or enjoyment, without negative connotations.
A person happily running through a sunny field of flowers with open arms.

Examples

Vamos a exprimir este fin de semana al máximo antes de que empiece el trabajo.

Let's make the most of this weekend before work starts.

Tienes que exprimir el día al máximo.

You have to make the most of the day.

Ese jefe exprime a sus empleados hasta que no pueden más.

That boss exploits his employees until they can't take it anymore.

Queremos exprimir cada minuto de nuestras vacaciones.

We want to squeeze every minute out of our vacation.

Using 'al máximo'

When using the word to mean 'make the most of,' it is almost always followed by the phrase 'al máximo' (to the maximum).

Confusing 'explotar' with 'exprimir'

The most common mistake is using 'explotar' when you mean to make the most of something positive. Remember, 'explotar' usually carries a negative connotation of unfairness or harm, while 'exprimir' is about maximizing benefit from a neutral or positive situation.

Related Translations

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