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How to Say "to thrive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

progresar

/pro-gre-SAR//pɾoɣɾeˈsaɾ/

verbA2general
Use this word when describing general advancement or doing well in a career, personal life, or business.
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).

prosperar

/prohs-peh-RAHR//pɾospeˈɾaɾ/

verbB1general
This term is best for indicating successful growth and development, especially for living things, businesses, or projects.
A lush, green tree growing out of a pile of gold coins.

Examples

Su nuevo negocio de café empezó a prosperar rápidamente.

His new coffee business began to prosper quickly.

Estas flores prosperan mejor a la sombra.

These flowers thrive better in the shade.

Una sociedad no puede prosperar sin justicia.

A society cannot thrive without justice.

A Regular Action Word

This verb follows the standard pattern for '-ar' verbs. Once you learn the basic endings, you can conjugate it easily!

Using the 'Subjunctive' Form

When you say you want or hope someone prospers, use the special 'prospere' form: 'Espero que prosperes' (I hope you prosper).

Prosperar vs. Éxito

Mistake: “Using 'tener éxito' to describe a growing plant.”

Correction: Use 'prosperar' for physical growth or flourishing development. 'Tener éxito' is mostly for achieving a specific goal.

florecer

/flo-reh-SEHR//floɾeˈseɾ/

verbB2general
Use this word when discussing the flourishing or development of abstract concepts like arts, culture, or ideas, often in a historical or cultural context.
A small green sapling growing tall and strong out of a pile of rich brown soil.

Examples

Las artes florecieron durante el Renacimiento.

The arts flourished during the Renaissance.

Su negocio de café empezó a florecer el año pasado.

His coffee business started to thrive last year.

Espero que nuestra amistad siga floreciendo.

I hope our friendship continues to flourish.

Metaphorical use

Just like in English, we use plant growth words to talk about success. This makes your Spanish sound more poetic and advanced.

Choosing Between 'Prosperar' and 'Florecer'

Learners often confuse 'prosperar' and 'florecer'. Remember that 'prosperar' is more about concrete success and growth, like a business or a plant, while 'florecer' is typically used for more abstract or artistic development, like the arts or a cultural movement.

Related Translations

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