Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| explotar | /eɡsploˈtaɾ/ |
| aprovechar | /apɾobeˈt͡ʃaɾ/ |
| instrumentalizar | /instɾumentaliθaɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /instɾumentalisaɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
The term for exploit varies depending on whether you are discussing resources, opportunities or unethical behavior. Explotar is used for the extraction or utilization of natural resources, minerals or the labor of workers. It also carries the meaning of exploiting people or vulnerable groups in an unfair or unethical way. If you are making the most of a favorable circumstance or a specific opportunity, use aprovechar.
Which one should you use?
Use explotar when referring to the extraction or utilization of materials, resources or labor. In contrast, use aprovechar when the sense of exploit implies making the most of an opportunity or a favorable situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, explotar can also mean 'to explode' or 'to burst' in addition to its meaning of 'to exploit'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡsploˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word explotar has a double origin, having been borrowed from the French 'exploiter' and also created as a back-formation from the word explosión.
- While aprovechar is often translated as 'to exploit' or 'to take advantage of', it is frequently used as a positive compliment when praising someone for not wasting food or time.
- The verb instrumentalizar is used to describe treating a person or an idea merely as a tool, giving it a clinical and dehumanizing tone compared to other verbs for 'exploit'.
Examples in context
- El país tiene recursos, pero no sabe explotarlos.The country has resources, but can't exploit them.This sentence demonstrates how to use explotar in the context of utilizing resources.Tatoeba #1047344 by hayastan, translation #1199192 by CM
- El empresario explotó la situación económica para aumentar sus ganancias.The businessman exploited the economic situation to increase his profits.
- Los inversores aprovecharon la crisis para adquirir empresas a bajo precio.Investors exploited the crisis to acquire companies at low prices.
- María supo sacar partido de sus habilidades para conseguir un ascenso.María knew how to exploit her skills to get a promotion.
- Mi amigo se aprovechó de mi amabilidad y me pidió dinero prestado.My friend exploited my kindness and borrowed money from me.
- El estafador se aprovechó de la confianza de los turistas para robarles sus pertenencias.The scammer exploited the tourists' trust to steal their belongings.
- No debes explotar la debilidad de tus compañeros.You should not exploit the weakness of your colleagues.
- La empresa quiere explotar la confianza de los clientes.The company wants to exploit the trust of the customers.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a bad business deal.
- ElenaSiento que el jefe quiere explotar mi talento.I feel like the boss wants to exploit my talent.
- DanielTienes razón, Daniel cree que no te darás cuenta.You are right, Daniel thinks you won't notice.
- ElenaNo voy a dejar que me siga explotando.I am not going to let him keep exploiting me.
- DanielEs momento de buscar un trabajo mejor, Elena.It is time to look for a better job, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exploit” translations and entries explotar, aprovechar, instrumentalizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprovechar, explotar, instrumentalizar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
