I WANT TO "APROVECHAR" THIS OPPORTUNITY

9/12/2017

I WANT TO "APROVECHAR" THIS OPPORTUNITY!!

This is an expression that stops most Spanish speakers in their tracks! A student might be speaking very fluently when suddenly they feel they need to use the word "aprovechar" and they can not find the translation!

I guess the reason that it is hard to translate is that in English we do not have ONE word that covers this expression. Instead, we use: "to take advantage of". Interestingly, even google translate gets this translation correct! So, for example: "I want to take advantage of this opportunity". There is a strong temptation for Spanish speakers to drop the "of" at the end but it is very important that you don't forget it.

Hope that helps!

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4 Comments

Alfredo

9/22/2017 05:37:12 am

One question:
I've heard something like:
I want to take this opportunity or
I want to seize this opportunity.

Is that wrong?

Alejandro M

12/29/2017 10:13:00 pm

I remember the film Dead Poets Society, when Professor Keating says to his pupils: 'Seize the day'.

That phrase was translated as: 'aprovecha el día'.

larisa

12/29/2017 05:40:42 am

Dear Daniel, can you pls give me your opinion about this expression. " see you when I see you". Would be correct to use it or to avoid. Thank you!

Alejandro M.

12/29/2017 09:34:33 am

It's not so hard: the word 'enjoy' covers a wide range of meanings, and we can use it as a partial synonym of 'aprovechar'.

There is also a phrasal verb that we can use in this case: 'make the most of'.

- Negotiators from the developing world look poised to make the most of the talks.

- The girls and I make the most of the indoor pool, before heading out for dinner.

Daniel Smith-Blog