aprovechar
/apɾobeˈt͡ʃaɾ/
The English phrase 'take advantage' can be translated into Spanish as aprovechar.
aprovechar is used to mean making the most of a situation, like a sale or a sunny day, without any predatory intent.
Meaning: make use of something (verb)
Which one should you use?
The non-reflexive aprovechar is used for positive or neutral contexts, such as making good use of an opportunity or time, whereas the reflexive aprovecharse de often carries a negative connotation of exploitation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Aprovecharse de la buena fe is used to express taking advantage of someone's good faith or trust.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 'take advantage of' implies exploiting someone or something, the reflexive form aprovecharse de is typically used.
How do you pronounce it?
/apɾobeˈtʃaɾ/
Did you know?
- The common mealtime greeting ¡Buen provecho! shares the same root as aprovechar and literally wishes that the food provides 'profit' or 'benefit' to the body.
- The word provecho inside aprovechar comes from the Latin word 'profectus', which means 'progress' or 'advancement'.
- While English uses 'take advantage' for both positive and negative meanings, using the reflexive aprovecharse in Spanish almost always shifts the meaning toward exploitation or trickery.
Examples in context
- No me quiero aprovechar de ellos.I don't want to take advantage of them.This sentence shows how to use aprovechar to express not wanting to exploit people.Tatoeba #2182764 by hayastan, translation #2026378 by CK
- No debes aprovecharte de su inocencia.You must not take advantage of her innocence.This sentence demonstrates using the reflexive form to warn against exploiting innocence.Tatoeba #882414 by Shishir, translation #10832 by Zifre
- Estoy dispuesta a aprovechar el tiempo.I'm prepared to take advantage of the weather.This sentence illustrates using aprovechar to mean making the most of something like time.Tatoeba #8540415 by diegohn, translation #8542648 by lunchmeat317
- Aprovechar un descuentoTake advantage of a discount
- Aprovechar al máximoMake the most of
- Aprovechar esta oportunidadTake advantage of this opportunity
- Debemos sacar provecho de este acuerdoWe should take advantage of this agreement
- Intento sacar provecho de mis habilidadesI try to take advantage of my skills
- Se aprovechó de mi buena voluntadHe took advantage of my goodwill
- Hay que hacer uso de nuestras habilidadesWe must take advantage of our skills
- Él se aprovechó de mi buena fe y se marchó con el dinero.He took advantage of my good faith and ran off with the money.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their plans for a sunny afternoon.
- JavierSofía, hay mucho sol hoy.Sofía, it is very sunny today.
- SofíaSí, deberíamos aprovechar el día.Yes, we should take advantage of the day.
- Javier¿Quieres ir al parque conmigo?Do you want to go to the park with me?
- Sofía¡Claro que sí, Javier!Of course, Javier!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aprovechar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprovechar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
