Making your advanced Spanish vocabulary stand out is contingent upon emphasizing certain words.
That last sentence sounds good, right?
It can be challenging to achieve a tone of advanced, educated vocabulary in a new language. Especially if you’re preparing for a business meeting in Spanish. We’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll learn advanced Spanish vocabulary to augment (grow) your knowledge, attenuate (reduce) your worry, and fill in the gaps of your knowledge.
Here is a list of Spanish vocabulary for advanced learners:
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Why build your advanced Spanish vocabulary?
Without the right vocabulary, we sacrifice the true feeling of our words just to get the point across. In everyday conversation at the grocery store, this is not a problem. When you have bigger challenges such as a business meeting, there can be a big difference between saying problema (problem) and reto (challenge). Problems are negative, but challenges are positive because they can be fixed.
Building your advanced Spanish words is not one-and-done. You’ll need to continually improve your Spanish on your own through reading, watching TV, and chatting with native speakers. Here are 8 words that will help you to sound educated.
1. Aminorar
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: To lessen or reduce
You can use this word to talk about anything that’s reducing, such as profits, business, velocity, feelings, etc.
Example: Tenemos que aminorar los efectos de la cuarentena en nuestra salud mental. (We have to lessen the effects of the quarantine on our mental health.)
2. Aumentar
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: To increase or grow
This is a great word that you’ll hear in everyday use. It can be used to talk about business, knowledge, and any kind of growth in general. Remember your Spanish pronunciation on this one: the two vowels both make sounds. Aumentar /AH-OOH men tar/ similar to the vowel sound of “ouch” in English.
Example: Aumentaron los réditos este año. (This year, profits increased.)
3. Brechas
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Gaps
In Spanish we can use the word brecha (gap) to describe physical cracks or holes, but also metaphorical ones such as gaps in knowledge or achievement.
Example: Esta política ha creado una brecha entre los dos países. (This policy has created a gap between the two countries).
4. Conocimiento
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Knowledge
At the core of sounding smart, is knowledge. That’s why you’re learning advanced Spanish vocabulary, right? This word can be used to talk about your Spanish language knowledge, your company’s knowledge, or your lack of knowledge.
Example: Me faltan conocimientos de fútbol. (I lack knowledge about football).
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5. Fomentar
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: To encourage, promote
Synonym: Fortalecer
At work we need to encourage or promote our team, our investments, or our drive.
Example: Hay que fomentar el impulso de este proyecto. (We have to encourage the momentum of this project).
6. Recalcar
Part of speech: Verb
Meaning: To emphasize
Synonym: Enfatizar
This is one of the most useful advanced Spanish words you can use. It’s common enough to be understood by all, but it definitely sounds smart.
Example: Quisiera recalcar que esta es una meta que podemos alcanzar. (I want to emphasize that this is a goal that we can achieve.)
7. Reto
Part of speech: Noun
Meaning: Challenge
Synonym: Desafío
In a work context, we usually speak about challenges rather than problems. The word problem carries a very negative tone, but challenges are something we can overcome. The same is true in Spanish.
Example: Superé muchos retos en el pasado. (I overcame many challenges in the past.)
8. Supeditado
Part of speech: Participle
Meaning: Contingent, dependent upon
Going to the beach is contingent on the weather. Winning a match is contingent on your training. One act depends on another. Supeditado is a great advanced Spanish vocabulary word to have in your arsenal. Your pronunciation of the Ts and Ds need to be on-point for this one.
Example: Nuestro éxito en el reto está supeditado al apoyo de la gerencia. (Our success in this challenge is contingent on support from management.)
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Level up your vocabulary
This list of Spanish vocabulary for advanced learners is a great place to start. You will effectively communicate the true meaning of your words inside and outside of work. Always try to aumentar (increase) your advanced Spanish vocabulary by looking for new and challenging sources.
Alison Maciejewski Cortez
Alison Maciejewski Cortez is Chilean-American, born and raised in California. She studied abroad in Spain, has lived in multiple countries, and now calls Mexico home. She believes that learning how to order a beer in a new language reveals a lot about local culture. Alison speaks English, Spanish, and Thai fluently and studies Czech and Turkish. Her tech copywriting business takes her around the world and she is excited to share language tips as part of the Lingoda team. Follow her culinary and cultural experiences on X.
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