Disfrutar vs. gozar vs. aprovechar
The Spanish words 'disfrutar', 'gozar', and 'aprovechar' all express a degree of enjoyment or pleasure, while being used in different contexts and with some different implications.
Disfrutar
The term 'disfrutar' is often used to express the enjoyment of something in a passive, relaxed way, much like 'to enjoy' in English.
Disfruto escuchando música.
(I enjoy listening to music.)
Mi familia y yo disfrutamos de las vacaciones en la playa.
(My family and I enjoyed our beach vacation.)
Gozar
'Gozar' typically implies an intense, active form of joy or pleasure, often associated with revelry or the taking of great pleasure in something.
Ella estuvo gozando de la fiesta hasta el amanecer.
(She was enjoying the party until dawn.)
Gozo ver a mi equipo ganar.
(I take great pleasure in seeing my team win.)
Aprovechar
'Aprovechar' is used to express the sense of making good use, taking advantage or benefiting from something. It can also imply enjoyment but is mainly centered around utilization and being opportunistic.
Aprovecha el tiempo libre para leer un libro.
(Take advantage of your free time to read a book.)
Necesitas aprovechar las oportunidades cuando se presenten.
(You need to seize opportunities when they present themselves.)
Summary
'Disfrutar', 'gozar', and 'aprovechar' transmit different shades of enjoying something. While both 'disfrutar' and 'gozar' are most directly related to enjoyment or pleasure, the former is more passive and the latter suggests more intensity or activity. The word 'aprovechar' focuses more on capitalizing, benefitting or making good use of something.