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How to Say "to progress" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to progress” is “progresar” — use this verb when referring to general improvement or moving forward in a process, like a career or studies, often implying personal achievement.

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progresar

pro-gre-SARpɾoɣɾeˈsaɾ

verbA2general
Use this verb when referring to general improvement or moving forward in a process, like a career or studies, often implying personal achievement.
A sequence of three potted plants showing a tiny seedling growing into a healthy, leafy plant.

Examples

Quiero progresar en mi carrera profesional.

I want to progress in my professional career.

Estamos progresando mucho con las clases de español.

We are progressing a lot with the Spanish classes.

Si no estudias, es difícil progresar académicamente.

If you don't study, it is difficult to progress academically.

Using 'en' with progresar

When you want to say what you are progressing in (like a language or a job), always use the word 'en' after 'progresar'.

It's always regular

Good news! This verb follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' in every tense. No weird stem changes to memorize.

Noun vs. Verb

Mistake: “Hacer un progresar.”

Correction: Hacer un progreso (or simply 'progresar'). 'Progresar' is the action, 'progreso' is the noun (the progress itself).

avanzar

ah-vahn-SAHRaβanˈθaɾ

verbB1general
Choose this verb to emphasize development or improvement in a project, task, or situation where tangible steps are being taken forward.
A visual representation of growth, showing a small, newly sprouted green seedling in the dirt next to a tall, fully bloomed, brightly colored flower.

Examples

Hemos avanzado mucho con el proyecto esta semana.

We have progressed a lot with the project this week.

La tecnología médica avanza a un ritmo increíble.

Medical technology is advancing at an incredible pace.

Necesitamos avanzar al siguiente punto de la agenda.

We need to move on to the next point on the agenda.

Figurative Use

When 'avanzar' is used for progress, it often implies overcoming obstacles or moving toward a goal (e.g., 'Avanzamos a pesar de los problemas' - We progressed despite the problems).

evolucionar

eh-voh-loo-syoh-NAHReβoluθjoˈnaɾ

verbB1general
Use this verb when talking about ideas, situations, or even living things that are changing and moving toward a better, more developed state over time.
A sequence showing a tiny seed, a small green sprout, and a large flourishing tree side by side on a grassy hill.

Examples

Nuestras ideas deben evolucionar con el tiempo.

Our ideas must evolve with time.

La tecnología ha evolucionado mucho en la última década.

Technology has developed a lot in the last decade.

Es fascinante ver cómo evolucionan las especies en la naturaleza.

It is fascinating to see how species evolve in nature.

Using 'hacia' for Direction

When talking about what something is turning into, we often use the word 'hacia' (toward) after the verb, as in 'evolucionar hacia la democracia' (to evolve toward democracy).

A Regular Pattern

This verb is completely regular. It follows the exact same pattern as 'hablar' or 'caminar' in every tense.

Don't confuse with 'cambiar'

Mistake: “El clima evolucionó de repente.”

Correction: El clima cambió de repente. 'Evolucionar' implies a gradual process of development, not a sudden, random change.

caminar

kah-mee-NARka.miˈnaɾ

verbB2general
Employ this verb metaphorically to describe slow but steady development or recovery, often used for processes that are not yet complete or are facing challenges.
A simple illustration depicting a long, winding road or path stretching far into the distance, symbolizing a journey or progression.

Examples

La investigación camina lentamente, pero hay avances.

The investigation is progressing slowly, but there is progress.

Este es el camino que debemos caminar juntos.

This is the path we must walk together (fig., meaning pursue together).

Tras la cirugía, el paciente ha caminado hacia una recuperación total.

After the surgery, the patient has progressed toward a total recovery.

Metaphorical Movement

Think of this meaning as literally 'walking' down a road in life or business. It describes ongoing action or progress, which is why the continuous tense (está caminando) is often used.

Progresar vs. Avanzar

Learners often confuse 'progresar' and 'avanzar'. Use 'progresar' for general forward movement or improvement, especially in personal goals like career. Use 'avanzar' when talking about tangible steps and development within a specific project or task.

Related Translations

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