How to Say "to facilitate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to facilitate” is “facilitar” — use 'facilitar' when you mean to make a process or task simpler or quicker, often by providing tools or removing obstacles.
facilitar
fah-see-lee-tahrfasi.liˈtaɾ
Examples
El software nuevo facilita la gestión de proyectos.
The new software facilitates project management.
El uso de la computadora facilita mucho el trabajo.
Using a computer makes the work much easier.
Este nuevo puente facilitará el transporte entre las ciudades.
This new bridge will make travel between the cities easier.
Queremos facilitar el proceso de inscripción para los estudiantes.
We want to make the registration process easier for the students.
A Regular Verb Pattern
This word follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you know how to conjugate 'facilitar'.
Direct Action
In Spanish, we usually put the thing being made easier directly after the verb without any extra words (e.g., 'facilitar el acceso').
Confusing with 'hacer fácil'
Mistake: “La máquina hace fácil el trabajo.”
Correction: La máquina facilita el trabajo. While 'hacer fácil' is understood, 'facilitar' is much more natural and professional.
permitir
per-mee-TEERpeɾmiˈtiɾ
Examples
La tecnología moderna permite la comunicación instantánea.
Modern technology allows for instant communication.
Este nuevo software permite una comunicación más rápida.
This new software enables faster communication.
La arquitectura del edificio permite la entrada de mucha luz natural.
The building's architecture allows for the entry of a lot of natural light.
Su flexibilidad le permite adaptarse a cualquier situación.
His flexibility allows him to adapt to any situation.
Impersonal Subjects
In this sense, 'permitir' often has an impersonal subject (a thing or a situation) rather than a person: 'El diseño permite...' (The design allows...).
posibilitar
po-see-bee-lee-TARposiβiliˈtaɾ
Examples
Su inversión posibilitó la expansión del negocio.
His investment made the business expansion possible.
El ahorro nos posibilitó comprar la casa.
Saving money made it possible for us to buy the house.
Esta tecnología posibilita la comunicación instantánea.
This technology enables instant communication.
Las nuevas leyes posibilitarán una mayor igualdad.
The new laws will make greater equality possible.
One word for three
In English, we usually say 'make something possible'. In Spanish, you can use this single word 'posibilitar' to express that whole idea efficiently.
Direct action
This verb acts directly on the thing being enabled. For example, 'posibilitar el viaje' (to make the trip possible).
Using it for people
Mistake: “La profesora me posibilitó estudiar.”
Correction: La profesora me permitió estudiar.
propiciar
pro-pee-syarpɾopiˈsjaɾ
Examples
Es importante propiciar un diálogo abierto entre los departamentos.
It is important to foster open dialogue between departments.
Debemos propiciar un ambiente de respeto en la oficina.
We must foster an environment of respect in the office.
La lluvia constante propició el crecimiento de las plantas.
The constant rain brought about the growth of the plants.
Sus palabras propiciaron un acuerdo entre las dos partes.
His words facilitated an agreement between both parties.
Using an object after the verb
This word usually needs to be followed by a 'thing' (the situation or atmosphere you are creating). You don't just 'propitiate' in general; you 'propitiate' a result.
Abstract concepts
In Spanish, this verb is almost always used with abstract nouns like 'peace,' 'dialogue,' or 'reconciliation' rather than physical objects.
Confusing with 'propio'
Mistake: “Pensar que 'propiciar' significa 'hacer algo propio'.”
Correction: 'Propiciar' means to create conditions for something, while 'apropiarse' means to make something your own.
Facilitar vs. Permitir
Related Translations
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