Inklingo

How to Say "to increase" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aumentar

ow-men-TAR/aw.menˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'aumentar' when referring to an increase in size, quantity, speed, or volume in a general sense.
A visual depiction of increase, showing a small pile of red apples beside a significantly larger pile of red apples, illustrating an increase in quantity.

Examples

Necesitamos aumentar la velocidad para llegar a tiempo.

We need to increase the speed to arrive on time.

El jefe prometió aumentar mi salario el próximo año.

The boss promised to raise my salary next year.

Por favor, aumenta el volumen de la música.

Please, turn up the volume of the music.

Using 'Aumentar' Transitively

In this sense, 'aumentar' is transitive, meaning it must act upon a direct object (the thing being increased): 'Aumento [el volumen].'

Confusing Transitive and Intransitive

Mistake: “La temperatura se aumentó el sol. (The sun increased the temperature.)”

Correction: El sol aumentó la temperatura. (The sun increased the temperature.) – Only use 'se' if the temperature increases itself.

subir

soo-BEER/suˈβiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'subir' primarily for increases in price, cost, or numerical values like taxes or temperature.
A towering, unstable stack of stylized gold coins growing taller from a flat surface, symbolizing an increase in value.

Examples

El gobierno decidió subir los impuestos este año.

The government decided to raise the taxes this year.

¿Podrías subir el volumen? No oigo nada.

Could you turn up the volume? I can't hear anything.

La temperatura va a subir mañana, hará mucho calor.

The temperature is going to go up tomorrow; it will be very hot.

crecer

kreh-SEHR/kɾeˈseɾ/

verbB2general
Choose 'crecer' when discussing growth in numbers, volume, intensity, or abstract concepts like population or demand.
A simple, clear glass jar half-filled with bright blue water, with a stream of water pouring into the jar from above, increasing the water level.

Examples

La demanda de energía solar ha crecido exponencialmente.

The demand for solar energy has grown exponentially.

El nivel del agua creció tras la tormenta.

The water level rose after the storm.

Choosing between 'aumentar' and 'crecer'

Learners often confuse 'aumentar' and 'crecer'. Remember that 'aumentar' is more about making something larger or more numerous, while 'crecer' implies natural growth or expansion, often used for living things or abstract concepts like demand.

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