expandir
/eɡspanˈdiɾ/
The Spanish word for expand is expandir.
expandir is used to describe changing from a smaller form or size to a larger one. This applies to an increase in physical volume or size, as well as the scope of an abstract concept, such as expanding knowledge or influence.
Meaning: (intransitive) to change from a smaller form/size to a larger one (verb)
Which one should you use?
While expandir focuses on growing in size or scope, it is different from extender, which is used when you are stretching something out or lengthening it. Use expandir specifically when referring to an increase in physical volume, size or the breadth of a concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of expandir is expandido, and the conditional form meaning 'would expand' is expandiría.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspanˈdiɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word expansivo is used to describe a person's personality rather than just physical size, meaning they are 'outgoing' or 'sociable'.
- In some literary contexts, expandir can mean to pour out or express emotions lavishly, similar to the English 'effuse'.
- The Spanish verb expandir shares its DNA with the English word 'expand' through the Latin root 'pandere', which means 'to spread' or 'to stretch'.
Examples in context
- ¿Es necesario expandir el conocimiento humano con la exploración espacial?Is it necessary to expand human knowledge with space exploration?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use expandir when discussing the expansion of human knowledge.Tatoeba #2981 by Warnerbroder, translation #330617 by doswans
- La empresa planea ampliar sus operaciones en el extranjero.The company plans to expand its operations abroad.
- El arquitecto necesita expandir el edificio para permitir más espacio de oficinas.The architect needs to expand the building to allow for more office space.
- La ciudad ha crecido mucho en los últimos años.The city has expanded a lot in recent years.
- Necesitamos agrandar el salón para que quepan más personas.We need to expand the living room to accommodate more people.
- Podríamos expandir nuestro negocio a nivel internacional el próximo año.We could expand our business internationally next year.
- La compañía necesita ampliar su mercado para llegar a un público más amplio.The company needs to expand its market to reach a broader audience.
- Es necesario agrandar la cocina para instalar nuevos electrodomésticos.It's necessary to expand the kitchen to install new appliances.
- El metal se va a expandir con el calor.The metal will expand with the heat.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing their small business.
- LucíaNuestro negocio es pequeño, pero queremos expandir.Our business is small, but we want to expand.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía, necesitamos más espacio.You are right, Lucía, we need more space.
- LucíaPodemos buscar un local más grande.We can look for a larger place.
- DanielEs la mejor forma de expandir ahora.It is the best way to expand now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry expandir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries expandir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
