reducir
/reduˈθiɾ/
To cut down (in the sense of reducing the amount of something) in Spanish is reducir.
reducir is used to express the act of reducing the quantity, size or amount of something.
Meaning: reduce the amount of something (verb)
Which one should you use?
While reducir is the general term for reducing amounts, acortar is used specifically when you are cutting down or shortening time or distance. Additionally, rebajar can be used to express cutting down in formal contexts, particularly when referring to reducing prices or values.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb is reducción. In the past tense, the first-person singular preterite form is reduje (I cut down). If you are using the present subjunctive, the form is reduzca (that I/he/she cut down).
How do you pronounce it?
/reduˈθiɾ/
Did you know?
- While reducir works for amounts, if you are 'cutting down' a physical tree, you must use the verb talar instead.
- The word reducir was borrowed from the Latin redūcere, which literally meant to lead back.
- The verb rebajar, which can mean to cut down prices, is also used colloquially in some regions to mean 'humbling' someone or bringing them down a peg.
Examples in context
- Tom intentó reducir sus gastos.Tom tried to cut down on his expenses.This sentence shows how to use reducir regarding expenses.Tatoeba #1425434 by peibolvig, translation #1187730 by CK
- Deberías reducir la cantidad de grasas que comes.You should cut down on the amount of fattening food that you eat.This sentence shows how to use reducir regarding the amount of food eaten.Tatoeba #993106 by Shishir, translation #954799 by CK
- Debes reducir los gastos adicionales para vivir dentro de tus posibilidades.You must cut down on extra expenses in order to live within your means.Tatoeba #10186667 by manufrutos, translation #16039 by Swift
- Es importante reducir el consumo de energía para proteger el medio ambiente.It is important to reduce energy consumption to protect the environment.
- La compañía decidió disminuir sus gastos en publicidad.The company decided to decrease its advertising expenses.
- Me di cuenta de que debo recortar el tiempo que paso en las redes sociales.I realized that I need to cut down the time I spend on social media.
- Debo recortar mis gastos para ahorrar dinero.I must cut down my expenses to save money.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about their electricity bill at home.
- Mateo¿Podemos reducir el consumo de luz?Can we reduce our electricity consumption?
- ElenaSí, debemos reducir el uso del aire acondicionado.Yes, we must reduce the use of the air conditioning.
- MateoEs una buena idea para ahorrar dinero.It is a good idea to save money.
- ElenaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
