Aumentar vs. incrementar
The Spanish words 'aumentar' and 'incrementar' both mean 'to increase' but are used in slightly different contexts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the correct word for different situations.
Aumentar
The word 'aumentar' means to make something larger or more intense. It's used to describe an increase in size, quantity, quality, or degree.
Quiero aumentar el volumen de música.
(I want to increase the music volume.)
El gobierno decidió aumentar los impuestos.
(The government decided to raise the taxes.)
Necesitamos aumentar nuestros esfuerzos para lograr el objetivo.
(We need to intensify our efforts to achieve the goal.)
Incrementar
'Incrementar' also means to increase but is often used in a more formal context and usually refers to a measurable or quantifiable rise.
La empresa quiere incrementar sus beneficios este año.
(The company wants to increase its profits this year.)
Debemos incrementar la producción para satisfacer la demanda.
(We must increase production to meet demand.)
El número de casos de COVID-19 ha incrementado recientemente.
(The number of COVID-19 cases has increased recently.)
Summary
'Aumentar' and 'incrementar' both mean 'to increase', but their use varies slightly based on context. 'Aumentar' is commonly used in informal situations and can refer to increasing not just quantity but also intensity, quality, or size. 'Incrementar', on the other hand, tends to be more formal and is typically associated with measurable quantities.