crecí
/kɾeθi/from spelling rules
In Spanish, crecí is used to say "I grew up".
The phrase is used to describe the process of becoming an adult or spending one's childhood in a certain place. When you want to specify the location where you grew up, use the preposition en immediately after the verb, such as in the phrase crecí en.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form crecí is the first-person singular preterite indicative of the verb crecer. This verb is used both for biological growth and for the process of growing up.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾeθi/
Did you know?
- If you want to describe the psychological process of maturing or becoming emotionally adult, crecí is not the right choice. Spanish speakers use the verb madurar, which literally means 'to ripen' like a piece of fruit.
- While crecí describes the act of growing, Spanish uses the reflexive verb criarse to specifically describe the act of being raised. A speaker might say me crié to shift the focus from their own biological growth to the influence of their caregivers.
- The root of crecí is shared with the English word 'crescent', as both come from the Latin 'crescere', meaning to grow.
Examples in context
- Yo crecí con Tom.I grew up with Tom.This sentence shows how to use crecí to describe growing up with a person.Tatoeba #2484654 by marcelostockle, translation #2330014 by CK
- Crecí en el campo.I grew up in the country.This sentence demonstrates using crecí to describe growing up in a specific type of environment.Tatoeba #1713547 by marcelostockle, translation #321900 by CK
- Yo crecí en Boston.I grew up in Boston.This sentence shows how to use crecí to state the city where you grew up.Tatoeba #2331093 by marcelostockle, translation #2330005 by CK
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about their childhoods at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Dónde creciste tú, Javier?Where did you grow up, Javier?
- JavierCrecí en Madrid, ¿y tú?I grew up in Madrid, and you?
- LucíaYo crecí en Sevilla.I grew up in Seville.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Es una ciudad hermosa.That's great! It is a beautiful city.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
