cultivar
verbCEFR B2
What does “cultivar” mean in English?
to cultivate, to nurture
to cultivate, to nurture (to develop relationships, skills, or qualities; cultivar relaciones / el talento)
Example sentences
Para progresar profesionalmente, conviene cultivar relaciones con personas de distintos sectores.
To advance professionally, it pays to cultivate relationships with people from different sectors.
El director cultivó durante años una reputación de rigor académico que le abrió muchas puertas.
The director cultivated over many years a reputation for academic rigour that opened many doors.
La escuela cultiva el pensamiento crítico de sus alumnos a través de proyectos de investigación desde temprana edad.
The school cultivates critical thinking in its pupils through research projects from an early age.
How to use it
Cultivar extends well beyond farming to mean 'to cultivate, develop, or nurture' qualities, relationships, interests, or skills. At B2 the most important non-agricultural uses are: cultivar relaciones (cultivate relationships), cultivar el talento (develop talent), cultivar la amistad (nurture a friendship). It implies patient, deliberate effort over time.
Common mistake
Don't limit cultivar to agricultural contexts — the figurative sense (cultivate relationships, skills, reputation) is the B2 target. Cultivar takes a direct object: cultivar relaciones (not *cultivar en las relaciones). The key semantic nuance: cultivar implies patient, deliberate, ongoing investment — not a one-off effort.