How to Say "to produce" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to produce” is “producir” — use 'producir' for general manufacturing, making, or creating tangible items, or for financing and managing creative projects like films.
producir
proh-doo-SEERpɾo.ðuˈsiɾ
Examples
Esta fábrica produce más de cien coches al día.
This factory produces more than a hundred cars a day.
La tierra produjo una cosecha excelente este año.
The land yielded an excellent harvest this year.
Necesitamos producir más energía renovable.
We need to generate more renewable energy.
Mi hermana quiere producir un documental sobre la vida marina.
My sister wants to produce a documentary about marine life.
The 'Yo' Form Trick
In the 'yo' form of the present tense (I produce), the 'c' changes to 'zc' (produzco). This pattern is shared by many verbs ending in -ucir, like conducir or traducir.
Forgetting the 'J' in the Past
Mistake: “Yo producí (using the regular pattern)”
Correction: Yo produje. The preterite (simple past) uses an irregular 'j' stem, making it 'produje, produjiste,' etc.
generar
he-ne-RARxe.neˈɾaɾ
Examples
Los paneles solares generan electricidad.
Solar panels generate electricity.
Este negocio genera muchas ganancias cada mes.
This business generates a lot of profit every month.
Queremos generar nuevos empleos en la ciudad.
We want to create new jobs in the city.
Generar vs. Hacer
Use 'hacer' for manual activities like making a cake, but use 'generar' for abstract processes or large-scale production like energy or money.
Totally Regular
This verb follows the standard pattern for all '-ar' verbs, so you don't have to worry about weird stem changes or irregular endings.
Confusing it with 'Create'
Mistake: “Usar 'generar' para obras de arte.”
Correction: Use 'crear' for artistic or unique creations (like a painting) and 'generar' for things that result from a system or process (like electricity or profit).
elaborar
eh-lah-bo-RARelaβoˈɾaɾ
Examples
Ellos elaboran pan artesanal todas las mañanas.
They make artisanal bread every morning.
Esta empresa elabora productos de limpieza ecológicos.
This company produces eco-friendly cleaning products.
El vino se elabora con uvas de la región.
The wine is produced with grapes from the region.
A Verb for Processes
Unlike 'hacer' (to do/make), 'elaborar' suggests that there is a sequence of steps or a transformation involved.
Don't use it for simple tasks
Mistake: “Voy a elaborar la cama.”
Correction: Voy a hacer la cama.
fabricar
fah-bree-KAHRfaβɾiˈkaɾ
Examples
Esta empresa fabrica coches eléctricos.
This company manufactures electric cars.
Muchos de nuestros juguetes se fabrican en España.
Many of our toys are made in Spain.
Es difícil fabricar piezas tan pequeñas.
It is difficult to manufacture such small parts.
The 'C' to 'QU' Spelling Change
To keep the 'K' sound when you add an 'e', the letter 'c' changes to 'qu'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (fabriqué) and all forms of the special 'wish' mood (fabrique).
Fabricar vs. Hacer
Use 'hacer' for general 'making' (like making dinner). Use 'fabricar' specifically for industrial production, machines, or complex assembly.
Cooking is not manufacturing
Mistake: “Fabriqué una ensalada para el almuerzo.”
Correction: Hice una ensalada para el almuerzo. (Don't use fabricar for simple tasks like cooking; it sounds like you built the salad in a factory!)
arrojar
ah-roh-HAHRaroˈxar
Examples
La investigación arrojó nuevos datos sobre el virus.
The research yielded new data about the virus.
El balance anual arroja un saldo positivo.
The annual balance shows a positive result.
Sus palabras arrojaron luz sobre el misterio.
His words shed light on the mystery.
Abstract Results
Think of the data as being 'thrown out' by the study for you to see.
rendir
rehn-DEERrenˈdiɾ
Examples
Este trabajo me rinde poco.
This work doesn't yield much for me.
El dinero rendirá más si lo inviertes.
The money will yield more if you invest it.
No me rinde el tiempo para estudiar.
I don't have enough time to study.
The e→i change
This verb changes its middle letter from 'e' to 'i' in some forms: yo rindo, tú rindes, él rindió. But in the infinitive and gerund it stays regular: render, rindiendo.
Using the wrong form
Mistake: “Saying 'rendo' instead of 'rindo'”
Correction: Use 'rindo' for 'yo' - this verb follows the pattern of others like 'pedir'.
engendrar
en-hen-DRARenxenˈdɾaɾ
Examples
La violencia solo engendra más violencia.
Violence only breeds more violence.
Su comportamiento engendra sospechas entre los vecinos.
His behavior gives rise to suspicion among the neighbors.
Esas políticas podrían engendrar una crisis financiera.
Those policies could produce a financial crisis.
Abstract Usage
This word is most often used to describe how one abstract feeling or situation automatically produces another. Think of it like a biological process where one thing 'gives birth' to a consequence.
A Regular Verb
Unlike many common Spanish verbs, this one is completely regular. It follows the standard pattern for '-ar' verbs in every tense.
Using it for electricity
Mistake: “El motor engendra electricidad.”
Correction: El motor genera electricidad. Use 'generar' for machines or physical energy; use 'engendrar' for life or abstract concepts.
parir
pah-REERpaˈɾiɾ
Examples
La gata parió cinco gatitos esta madrugada.
The cat gave birth to five kittens early this morning.
Después de meses de trabajo, por fin parieron el proyecto.
After months of work, they finally brought the project to life.
Antiguamente, las mujeres parían en sus propias casas.
In the past, women used to give birth in their own homes.
Direct Action Word
Unlike 'dar a luz' (to give birth), which is a phrase, 'parir' is a single action word. You use it just like 'eat' or 'sleep' to describe the biological event.
Used for both Animals and People
In scientific or rural settings, 'parir' is the standard word for animals. When used for people, it can sound a bit more graphic or blunt compared to the softer 'dar a luz'.
Using it too formally for humans
Mistake: “Using 'parir' in a polite hospital setting with a friend.”
Correction: Use 'dar a luz' for a more delicate or polite tone with people; save 'parir' for animals or when talking about the raw biological act.
criar
kree-ARkɾiˈaɾ
Examples
La falta de ventilación cría humedad y malos olores.
Lack of ventilation produces humidity and bad smells.
Ese ambiente cría mucha envidia entre los compañeros.
That environment generates a lot of envy among colleagues.
General vs. Specific Production
Related Translations
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