If you’re looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary, it’s important to know how to express the concept of “decrease” in different contexts. Whether you want to describe a decrease in temperature, a drop in prices, or a decline in popularity, this guide will provide you with various ways to express this idea in both formal and informal situations. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Expressions for Decrease in Spanish
When communicating in a formal setting, such as business meetings, academic presentations, or professional emails, it is essential to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions for the English word “decrease” translated into Spanish:
1. Disminuir
The most common and versatile word for “decrease” in Spanish is “disminuir.” This verb can be used in various contexts and is widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world. For example:
La demanda de productos disminuyó durante la pandemia. (The demand for products decreased during the pandemic.)
It is worth noting that “disminuir” is a regular verb, so its conjugation is straightforward. Here’s how it changes in the present tense:
- Yo disminuyo (I decrease)
- Tú disminuyes (You decrease)
- Él/Ella/Usted disminuye (He/She/You [formal] decrease)
- Nosotros/Nosotras disminuimos (We decrease)
- Vosotros/Vosotras disminuís (You all decrease)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes disminuyen (They/You [plural] decrease)
2. Reducir
Another formal word for “decrease” is “reducir.” While “reducir” is often used interchangeably with “disminuir,” it specifically emphasizes the idea of reduction or making something smaller. For instance:
El gobierno intenta reducir la tasa de desempleo. (The government is trying to decrease the unemployment rate.)
Similarly to “disminuir,” “reducir” is a regular verb whose conjugation remains consistent across different subject pronouns. Here it is in the present tense:
- Yo reduzco (I decrease)
- Tú reduces (You decrease)
- Él/Ella/Usted reduce (He/She/You [formal] decrease)
- Nosotros/Nosotras reducimos (We decrease)
- Vosotros/Vosotras reducís (You all decrease)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes reducen (They/You [plural] decrease)
Informal Expressions for Decrease in Spanish
In casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues in informal settings, you might prefer using different expressions for “decrease.” Here are a few options that are commonly used in spoken Spanish:
1. Bajar
One of the most frequently used informal verbs for “decrease” is “bajar.” This term is often employed when talking about lowering prices, reducing quantities, or diminishing intensity. Here’s an example:
El precio del petróleo ha bajado en los últimos meses. (The price of oil has decreased in the last few months.)
“Bajar” is an irregular verb, so its conjugation slightly varies from the regular patterns. Here it is in the present tense:
- Yo bajo (I decrease)
- Tú bajas (You decrease)
- Él/Ella/Usted baja (He/She/You [formal] decrease)
- Nosotros/Nosotras bajamos (We decrease)
- Vosotros/Vosotras bajáis (You all decrease)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes bajan (They/You [plural] decrease)
2. Disminuir (Informal Contraction)
In informal contexts, it is also common to use a contracted form of “disminuir,” which is “disminuir” followed by the preposition “se.” This contraction adds an informal touch to the otherwise formal expression, making it suitable for everyday conversations. Here’s an example:
La popularidad de esa película disminuyóse rápidamente. (The popularity of that movie quickly decreased.)
Note that the contracted form “disminuirse” also retains the regular conjugation of “disminuir” shown earlier.
Conclusion
Now that you’re familiar with a range of expressions, both formal and informal, for the word “decrease” in Spanish, you can confidently navigate various situations and communicate your ideas effectively. Remember to consider the appropriate context and the level of formality required in any given situation.
Additionally, keep in mind that regional variations may exist across Spanish-speaking countries and communities. However, the expressions presented in this guide are widely understood and used in many Spanish-speaking regions, making them suitable for most conversations.
Expand your vocabulary, practice your pronunciation, and enjoy exploring the richness of the Spanish language as you incorporate these terms into your everyday conversations. Happy learning!
