Crecer vs. aumentar
The Spanish words 'crecer' and 'aumentar' both mean 'to grow', but they are used in different contexts. Here, we will explore the distinctions between these two verbs with various examples.
Crecer
'Crecer' means to grow in terms of natural or organic growth, often referring to living organisms or things that naturally increase in size or maturity.
Los árboles crecen más rápido en verano.
(Trees grow faster in the summer.)
El niño ha crecido mucho este año.
(The child has grown a lot this year.)
Las plantas necesitan luz solar para crecer.
(Plants need sunlight to grow.)
La población de la ciudad está creciendo rápidamente.
(The city's population is growing rapidly.)
Aumentar
'Aumentar' means to increase or to make something become larger in quantity, number, or degree. It's more commonly used with amounts, prices, sizes, and similar contexts.
Tenemos que aumentar la producción de la fábrica.
(We need to increase the factory's production.)
Las ventas han aumentado este mes.
(Sales have increased this month.)
El precio de la gasolina sigue aumentando.
(The price of gasoline continues to increase.)
El número de turistas ha aumentado en los últimos años.
(The number of tourists has increased in recent years.)
Summary
In summary, 'crecer' is typically used for natural growth, especially living organisms or populations, while 'aumentar' is used for increasing quantities, amounts, prices, and similar contexts.