reducir
/reduˈθiɾ/
The English phrase 'cut back' can be translated into Spanish as reducir.
To 'cut back' means to reduce the amount or number of something, such as spending or consumption. While reducir is a direct way to express this, you may also use recortar figuratively when specifically talking about cutting back on budgets or expenses.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on your context and desired level of formality. reducir is the standard verb for reducing, whereas recortar is often used when the reduction applies to budgets or specific expenses. For more formal contexts, you might use disminuir to emphasize the decrease or the phrase aplicar recortes when you are specifically referring to the act of implementing cuts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, the informal expression bajarle a is used to express the idea of cutting back.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form derived from the verb reducir is reducción.
How do you pronounce it?
/reduˈθiɾ/
Did you know?
- In a law enforcement context, reducir does not mean to decrease something but rather 'to subdue' or 'to tackle' a suspect.
- In a culinary context, when a chef uses reducir for a sauce, it refers to the process of evaporation to thicken the liquid.
- The word reducir comes from the Latin 'redūcere', which literally means 'to lead back' or 'to bring back'.
Examples in context
- Debemos reducir nuestros gastos mensualesWe must cut back on our monthly expenses
- El gobierno necesita disminuir el gasto públicoThe government needs to cut back on public spending
- La empresa ha decidido aplicar recortes para mejorar su situación financieraThe company has decided to implement cuts to improve its financial situation
- Debemos ajustar nuestro consumo de energíaWe need to cut back on our energy consumption
- Voy a recortar mis gastosI'm going to cut back on my expenses
- En tiempos de crisis, es necesario apretar el cinturónIn times of crisis, it's necessary to cut back on expenses
- Tenemos que bajarle al consumo de aguaWe need to cut back on water consumption
- Tenemos que reducir los gastos.We have to cut back on expenses.
- Tenemos que reducir los gastos mensuales.We have to cut back on monthly expenses.
- El médico me dijo que debo reducir el consumo de sal.The doctor told me I must cut back on salt consumption.
- La empresa quiere reducir el uso de plástico.The company wants to cut back on the use of plastic.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing their household budget over dinner.
- DanielMaría, debemos reducir nuestros gastos este mes.María, we must cut back on our spending this month.
- MaríaTienes razón, Daniel, la cuenta de la luz es muy alta.You're right, Daniel, the electricity bill is very high.
- DanielPodemos reducir el uso del aire acondicionado.We can cut back on using the air conditioning.
- MaríaEs una buena idea para ahorrar dinero.That is a good idea to save money.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry reducir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reducir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
