Inklingo

How to Say "to upgrade" in Spanish

English → Spanish

actualizar

/ak-twah-lee-sar//aktwaliˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'actualizar' when referring to updating skills, knowledge, or software to the latest version.
An old wooden house being transformed into a sleek modern building with large glass windows.

Examples

Es importante actualizar tus conocimientos profesionales.

It is important to update your professional knowledge.

El gobierno quiere actualizar la ley de educación.

The government wants to modernize the education law.

Los médicos tienen que actualizarse constantemente.

Doctors have to constantly update their skills.

Reflexive use: Actualizarse

When people stay informed or learn new skills themselves, we add 'se' to the end: 'actualizarse'. Example: 'Necesito actualizarme' (I need to get up to speed).

Confusion with 'Realize'

Mistake: “Actualicé que era tarde.”

Correction: Me di cuenta de que era tarde.

mejorar

/meh-ho-RAR//me.xo.ˈɾaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'mejorar' when you want to make something better, such as improving a service, a skill level, or a personal quality.
A shiny, repaired bicycle next to a rusty one, showing a clear upgrade.

Examples

Quiero mejorar mi nivel de español este año.

I want to improve my Spanish level this year.

La economía del país está mejorando lentamente.

The country's economy is slowly improving.

Hemos mejorado el diseño de nuestra aplicación.

We have improved the design of our app.

Direct Action

Use this word when you want to say you are actively changing something to make it better, like 'mejorar la casa' (improve the house).

Describing Changes

When talking about a situation getting better on its own, you can use the word as-is, just like saying 'the weather is improving'.

Avoid literal 'hacer mejor'

Mistake: “Hago mejor mi español.”

Correction: Mejoro mi español. Use 'mejorar' as a single action instead of trying to translate the English phrase 'make better' literally.

promover

/pro-mo-BER//pɾomoˈbeɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'promover' specifically when someone is moved to a higher position or rank, often in a work context.
A person standing on a higher step of a podium receiving a gold medal.

Examples

Después de su gran trabajo, la promovieron a directora.

After her great work, they promoted her to director.

Es difícil que me promuevan este año.

It is unlikely that they will promote me this year.

Active vs Passive

In Spanish, we often use the passive form 'ser promovido' (to be promoted), but it's much more natural to say 'me promovieron' (they promoted me).

Actualizar vs. Mejorar

Learners often confuse 'actualizar' and 'mejorar'. Remember that 'actualizar' is for bringing something up-to-date (like software or knowledge), while 'mejorar' is for making something better in quality or level.

Related Translations

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