vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Favorecer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to favor", and "aprovechar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to take advantage of". Learn more about the difference between "favorecer" and "aprovechar" below.
favorecer(
fah
-
boh
-
reh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to help)
a. to favor (formal) (United States)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
Regionalism used in the United States
Este programa de alimentación favorecerá a las familias necesitadas.This nutrition program will favor families in need.
b. to favour (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Un mejor entrenamiento de los maestros favorece a todos los estudiantes.Better training of teachers favours all pupils.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Era el día perfecto para una boda; hasta el clima nos favoreció.It was a perfect day for a wedding; even the weather was on our side.
La justicia debería favorecer a la víctima.Justice should be on the side of the victim.
a. to encourage
La reducción de las tasas de interés por parte de la Reserva Federal favorecerá la generación de empleo.The Federal Reserve's reduction of interest rates will encourage job creation.
b. to assist in
El propósito de este proyecto es favorecer el desarrollo de microempresas.The purpose of this project is to assist in the development of small businesses.
c. to help
Necesitamos favorecer el acceso de las mujeres a mejores oportunidades laborales.We need to help women have access to better employment opportunities.
a. to suit
Te favorece mucho ese nuevo color de pelo; ¡te ves más joven!That new hair color really suits you; you look younger!
b. to look good on
Está claro que los pantalones ajustados le favorecen.Definitively, tight pants look good on him.
c. to be flattering
Me gusta la foto de tu pasaporte; te favorece.I like your passport photo, it's very flattering.
favorecerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to benefit
Él solo dona a obras benéficas para favorecerse de las rebajas de impuestos.He only makes donations to charity in order to benefit from tax reductions.
aprovechar(
ah
-
proh
-
beh
-
chahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to take advantage of
Si quieres aprovechar el día, levántate más temprano.If you want to take advantage of the day, get up earlier.
Aprovecharon el descuento para comprar los regalos de Navidad.They took advantage of the discount to buy Christmas presents.
b. to make the most of
Me gusta aprovechar el tiempo que tengo de vacaciones.I like to make the most of my vacation time.
c. to make good use of
Supimos aprovechar las instalaciones de la academia.We knew how to make good use of the academy's facilities.
2. (to utilize)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to make the most of it
El bebé está durmiendo; aprovecha y tómate una ducha.The baby is asleep. Make the most of it and take a shower.
b. to take the opportunity to
Aprovecha para viajar el mundo mientras seas joven.Take the opportunity to travel the world while you're young.
aprovecharse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to take advantage of
Se aprovechó de que eran extranjeros para cobrarles más.She took advantage of the fact that they were foreigners to overcharge them.
a. to take advantage of
Se la llevó a un callejón y se aprovechó de ella.He took her to an alley and took advantage of her.
b. to abuse
Si una persona se aprovecha de un niño, irá a la cárcel.If a person abuses a child, he or she will go to jail.
