crecer
/kɾeˈθeɾ/
In Spanish, growing up is said as crecer.
The verb crecer describes both the physical process of increasing in size and the metaphorical process of maturing or developing as a person. This means it covers both the English sense of 'to grow' and 'to grow up'.
Which one should you use?
While English uses different phrases to distinguish between increasing in size (to grow) and reaching adulthood (to grow up), the single Spanish verb crecer is used for both meanings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use the verb criarse or the expression hacerse mayor to convey the concept of growing up.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund form creciendo is used to express the continuous action of growing up. Additionally, the past participle crecido can be used as an adjective to describe someone who has already grown up or is fully grown.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾeˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'crescent', used to describe the shape of the moon, shares the same ancient root as the Spanish verb crecer. Both stem from the idea of something 'growing' or increasing in size.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, crecer is used metaphorically to describe a person who has become arrogant or 'grown' too big for their boots.
- The phrase hacerse mayor literally translates to 'making oneself older', yet it is the most natural way to describe the transition into adulthood.
Examples in context
- Envejecer es obligatorio. Crecer es opcional.Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.This sentence uses crecer to contrast growing old with growing up.Tatoeba #9927179 by carlosalberto, translation #9927043 by DJ_Saidez
- Mis hijos están creciendo rápidamente.My children are growing up quickly.
- El programa de liderazgo contribuye a madurar a los jóvenes.The leadership program helps young people mature.
- Mis amigos crecieron juntos en el mismo vecindario.My friends grew up together in the same neighborhood.
- ¿Te acuerdas cuando éramos niños y queríamos hacernos mayores?Do you remember when we were kids and wanted to grow up?
- Es increíble ver crecer a tu hijo.It is incredible to see your son growing up.
- Los árboles van a crecer muy rápido.The trees are going to grow very fast.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at an old childhood photo.
- JavierMira esta foto, ¡cuánto he tenido que crecer!Look at this photo, how much I've had to grow up!
- MaríaEs verdad, eras muy bajito, Javier.It's true, you were very short, Javier.
- Javier¿Te gustó crecer en el campo, María?Did you like growing up in the countryside, María?
- MaríaSí, fue la mejor etapa de mi vida.Yes, it was the best stage of my life.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry crecer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crecer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
