Inklingo

How to Say "to lengthen" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alargar

/ah-lar-GAR//alaɾˈɡaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'alargar' when referring to making a physical object, like clothing or a piece of rope, longer.
A child adding more colorful building blocks to a wooden train track to make it much longer.

Examples

Necesito alargar la manga de mi camisa.

I need to lengthen the sleeve of my shirt.

Tengo que alargar estos pantalones porque me quedan cortos.

I have to lengthen these pants because they are too short for me.

Vamos a alargar la cuerda para que llegue al suelo.

We are going to make the rope longer so it reaches the ground.

Si quieres alargar el paso, llegaremos más rápido.

If you want to lengthen your stride (walk faster), we will arrive sooner.

The 'G' to 'GU' Spelling Change

In the 'yo' form of the past tense (preterite) and all forms of the 'possibility' mood (subjunctive), the 'g' changes to 'gu' to keep the sound hard, like in 'go' or 'gift'.

Physicality

When used physically, it literally means adding material or stretching something to increase its measurement.

Spelling in the Past

Mistake: “Yo alargé mucho la cuerda.”

Correction: Yo alargué mucho la cuerda. (You must add the 'u' after 'g' when it's followed by an 'e' to keep the pronunciation correct).

prolongar

/pro-lon-GAR//pɾolonˈɡaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'prolongar' when extending something that is not a discrete physical object, such as a journey, a period of time, or a line (like a road or a service).
A long wooden bridge stretching far across a calm blue river.

Examples

Van a prolongar el contrato por seis meses más.

They are going to extend the contract for six more months.

Van a prolongar la línea del metro hasta el aeropuerto.

They are going to extend the subway line to the airport.

El arquitecto quiere prolongar el balcón.

The architect wants to extend the balcony.

Si prolongas esta línea, verás que cruza el círculo.

If you extend this line, you will see it crosses the circle.

Talking About Distance

In this sense, the word describes physical growth or addition to something that already exists, like a road or a building.

Physical Objects vs. Abstract Extensions

Learners often confuse 'alargar' and 'prolongar' by using 'alargar' for abstract concepts like time or contracts. Remember, 'alargar' is primarily for physically making something longer, while 'prolongar' is for extending duration or abstract lines.

Related Translations

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