Inklingo

How to Say "to supplement" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to supplement” is “complementar” — use 'complementar' when adding something that enhances, enriches, or goes well with something else, like adding a side dish that goes well with the main course or adding to a diet to make it more balanced..

English → Spanish

complementar

/kom-ple-men-TAR//komplemenˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'complementar' when adding something that enhances, enriches, or goes well with something else, like adding a side dish that goes well with the main course or adding to a diet to make it more balanced.
A bowl of soup being served with a side of bread to make the meal complete.

Examples

El aguacate complementa perfectamente el sabor de los tacos.

Avocado perfectly supplements the flavor of the tacos.

Este vino complementa muy bien el sabor del queso.

This wine complements the flavor of the cheese very well.

Debemos complementar nuestra dieta con más frutas y verduras.

We should supplement our diet with more fruits and vegetables.

Sus habilidades técnicas complementan mi experiencia en ventas.

His technical skills round out my sales experience.

Using 'con' to show addition

When you want to say what you are adding to make something better, always use the word 'con' (with). For example: 'Complemento el café con leche'.

Reflexive use for pairs

When two things go well together, use the reflexive form 'se complementan' (they complement each other). It's like saying they finish each other's sentences!

The 'I' vs 'E' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'complimentar' to mean matching or adding.”

Correction: Use 'complementar' for things that go together. 'Complimentar' is an older word for giving compliments or filling out forms, but 'complementar' is what you need for 'making complete'.

Don't confuse with 'Completar'

Mistake: “Using 'completar' when you mean 'to enhance'.”

Correction: Use 'completar' to finish a task that isn't done yet. Use 'complementar' to take something that is already good and make it even better by adding something else.

completar

/kom-ple-TAR//kom.pleˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'completar' when adding the final piece or necessary element to make something whole, finish a set, or fill in missing information.
A hand carefully placing the final, brightly colored blue puzzle piece into a set of connected pieces, forming a perfect, whole square shape.

Examples

Necesito completar esta encuesta con mi información personal.

I need to complete this survey with my personal information.

Ese libro completa la trilogía que estabas buscando.

That book rounds out the trilogy you were looking for.

Necesitamos un jugador más para completar el equipo.

We need one more player to make up the team.

Often Used Impersonally

This meaning often appears in sentences describing what is missing: 'Solo falta un detalle para completar la escena.' (Only one detail is missing to complete the scene.)

Complementar vs. Completar

Learners often confuse 'complementar' and 'completar' because both relate to adding something. Remember that 'complementar' is about enhancing or adding something that goes well with another, while 'completar' is about finishing or making something whole.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.