explotar

Explotar is a Spanish verb with several related meanings that revolve around using, breaking, or taking advantage of something. The main senses are: to explode or detonate, as in a physical rupture (for example, la bomba explotó); to exploit, in the sense of unjustly using a person, group, or resource for one’s benefit (explotar a los trabajadores, explotar los recursos naturales); and to operate or develop a business, mine, or asset by making intensive use of it (una empresa que explota minas; explotar una idea). In neutral or technical contexts, exploiting resources can be described as management and development, while in social contexts it often carries a negative connotation of abuse or oppression.

Conjugation and usage notes: Explotar is a regular -ar verb. Present indicative forms are: yo exploto, tú explotas, él/ella explota, nosotros explotamos, vosotros explotáis, ellos explotan. Preterite: exploté, explotaste, explotó, explotamos, explotasteis, explotaron. Subjunctive present: explote, explotes, explote, explotemos, explotéis, exploten. Imperfect: explotaba, explotabas, explotaba, explotábamos, explotabais, explotaban. The verb also occurs in compound tenses with haber (ha explotado, habían explotado). It commonly pairs with nouns like recursos, trabajadores, minas, ideas, oportunidades.

Etymology and usage context: The verb derives from Latin through Romance language development, with senses that cover both physical explosion and the figurative sense of using or developing resources. In Spain and Latin America, explotar appears across formal and colloquial registers, in economic, technical, and social discussions. Related nouns include explotación (exploit or exploitation) and explotador (exploiter). The interpretation depends on context, ranging from neutral business activity to negative abuse of people or resources.