embonar
/emboˈnaɾ/
To upgrade in Spanish can be expressed as embonar or mejorar.
Meaning: to improve (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| embonar | /emboˈnaɾ/ |
| mejorar | /mexoˈɾaɾ/ |
The verb used to express the concept of upgrading or improving depends on the context. While mejorar is the standard, most widely understood verb for 'to improve' or 'to upgrade' in almost all Spanish-speaking contexts, you may also use actualizar when the upgrade specifically refers to updating software or a system to a newer version.
Which one should you use?
mejorar is the standard and most versatile way to say 'to improve' or 'to upgrade' in nearly all situations. In contrast, when you are talking specifically about updating technology or software to a newer version, actualizar is often more natural.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/emboˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- While mejorar is the standard verb, Spanish speakers often use the English loanword 'upgrade' as a noun when referring to a better hotel room or flight seat.
- In the context of gaming, the phrase subir de nivel is used to describe upgrading a character or skill, which literally means 'to go up a level'.
- The word mejorar is a direct relative of the English word 'ameliorate'. Both originate from the Latin word melior, meaning 'better'.
Examples in context
- El hotel recientemente hizo una mejora en sus habitacionesThe hotel recently made an upgrade to its rooms
- Se recomienda hacer una actualización del sistema operativoIt is recommended to do a system upgrade
- Los clientes esperan un mejoramiento en la calidad del productoCustomers expect an upgrade in product quality
- Me gustaría poner al día mi teléfono móvilI would like to upgrade my mobile phone
- Necesito mejorar mi bicicletaI need to upgrade my bicycle
- Tengo que actualizar mi computadoraI have to upgrade my computer
- Estoy pensando en hacer una mejora a mi casa y agregar un jardín.I'm thinking of making an upgrade to my house by adding a garden.
- ¡Necesito actualizar mi guardarropa! Mi estilo personal ha evolucionado.I need to upgrade my wardrobe! My personal style has evolved.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their home office computers.
- JavierMi computadora es muy lenta ahora.My computer is very slow now.
- SofíaDeberías embonar la memoria RAM, Javier.You should upgrade the RAM memory, Javier.
- JavierTengo miedo de que sea caro.I am afraid that it might be expensive.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, es una mejora barata.Don't worry, it is a cheap upgrade.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “upgrade” translations and entries embonar, mejorar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mejorar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
