Cavar vs. excavar
Specifying the use and distinction of the Spanish verbs 'cavar' and 'excavar', both of which translate to digging in English. However, they are used in slightly different contexts.
Cavar
'Cavar' pertains to the more general act of digging or making a hole in the ground. It's generally used for simpler tasks like gardening and farming.
El jardinero está cavando un agujero para plantar el árbol.
(The gardener is digging a hole to plant the tree.)
Necesito cavar un hoyo en el jardín para la nueva planta.
(I need to dig a hole in the garden for the new plant.)
Los agricultores suelen cavar la tierra antes de sembrar.
(Farmers usually dig the soil before sowing.)
Excavar
'Excavar' generally refers to more extensive acts of digging, such as in an archaeological context or large-scale construction. This word has more scientific and technical connotations than 'cavar'.
Los arqueólogos están excavando el sitio en busca de artefactos antiguos.
(The archaeologists are excavating the site in search of ancient artifacts.)
Para construir el edificio, primero tuvieron que excavar una gran zanja.
(To construct the building, they first had to excavate a large trench.)
El paleontólogo pasó meses excavando los restos fósiles.
(The paleontologist spent months excavating the fossil remains.)
Summary
'Cavar' and 'excavar' both mean 'to dig', but 'cavar' is typically used for less complex tasks (e.g., gardening), while 'excavar' often implies a more intensive or methodical process, like an archaeological dig or large scale construction.