avanzar
/abanˈθaɾ/
To advance in Spanish is avanzar.
The verb avanzar is used to express the idea of moving forwards or approaching something.
Meaning: to move forwards, to approach (verb)
Which one should you use?
While avanzar is used to describe moving forward or making progress, it is distinct from adelantar, which is often used when referring to overtaking someone in a vehicle or moving a scheduled event to an earlier time.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of avanzar is avanzado, which can be used as an adjective to mean 'advanced', such as when describing advanced technology.
How do you pronounce it?
/abanˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of avanzar can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂ent-, which is the same ancestor for the English word 'anti'.
- While avanzar is the standard term for progress, if you are 'advancing' through a crowd of people, you might use atravesar instead to suggest passing through an obstacle.
- Using avanzar to describe a clock means you are setting the time forward, whereas atrasar is used to set it back.
Examples in context
- Mi objetivo es avanzar personal e intelectualmente todos los días.My goal is to advance personally and intellectually every day.This sentence shows the use of avanzar in the context of personal and intellectual growth.Tatoeba #1290662 by hayastan, translation #7697745 by Maxence
- Obviamente yo estoy de acuerdo en que uno debe avanzar en la vida a través de sus propios esfuerzos.Obviously I agree that you should advance in life through your own efforts.This sentence illustrates using avanzar to describe making progress in life through effort.Tatoeba #1165948 by marcelostockle, translation #421711 by blay_paul
- El avance científico es impresionante.The scientific advance is impressive.
- Nuestro proyecto ha experimentado un gran avance.Our project has experienced a significant advance.
- La empresa ha logrado un gran progreso en su plan de expansión.The company has achieved significant progress in its expansion plan.
- El progreso económico es vital para el desarrollo del país.Economic progress is vital for the country's development.
- Te enviaré un adelanto del informe.I will send you an advance of the report.
- El equipo sigue avanzando en el torneo.The team keeps advancing in the tournament.
- Necesitamos avanzar rápidamente en el proyecto.We need to advance quickly in the project.
- Debemos avanzar con cuidado por el sendero.We must advance carefully along the path.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are hiking in a dense forest.
- AlejandroMaría, tenemos que avanzar para llegar al campamento.María, we have to advance to reach the campsite.
- MaríaEstá bien, pero el camino es muy difícil.Alright, but the path is very difficult.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, yo te ayudaré a avanzar.Don't worry, I will help you advance.
- MaríaGracias, Alejandro, vamos juntos.Thanks, Alejandro, let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry avanzar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avanzar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
