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compensación

kom-pen-sah-syohn/kompensaˈθjon/

“compensación” means “compensation” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

compensation

Also: reimbursement, settlement
NounfB1
A person with a small bandage on their arm receiving a large, colorful gift basket filled with fruit.

📝 In Action

Recibí una compensación por el vuelo cancelado.

A2

I received compensation for the canceled flight.

La empresa ofreció una compensación económica a sus empleados.

B1

The company offered financial compensation to its employees.

Exigimos una compensación justa por los daños sufridos.

B2

We demand fair compensation for the damages suffered.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • indemnización (indemnity/repayment)
  • reparación (reparation)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • compensación económica – financial compensation
  • en compensación por – in compensation for
  • solicitar una compensación – to request compensation

offset

Also: counterbalance, trade-off
NounfB2
A wooden balance scale with a heavy grey stone on one side and a pile of colorful feathers on the other, perfectly level.

📝 In Action

El éxito en el trabajo fue una compensación por su falta de tiempo libre.

B2

Success at work was an offset for his lack of free time.

Existe una compensación natural de fuerzas en este ecosistema.

C1

There is a natural balancing of forces in this ecosystem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • mecanismo de compensación – compensation mechanism
  • ley de compensación – law of compensation

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "compensación" in Spanish:

counterbalance→offset→trade-off→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: compensación

Question 1 of 3

Which article should you use with 'compensación'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
compensar(to compensate) — Verb
compensado(balanced/compensated) — Adjective
compensatorio(compensatory) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
canciónatenciónestación
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'compensatio', which comes from 'cum' (together) and 'pendere' (to weigh). It literally means 'weighing things together' to make sure they are equal.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: compensationFrench: compensationItalian: compensazione

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'compensación' only about money?

No. While often used for money, it can also mean balancing out an emotion or a physical force, like exercise 'compensating' for a bad diet.

What is the difference between 'compensación' and 'indemnización'?

'Indemnización' is more specific to legal or insurance payments for damages. 'Compensación' is broader and can be used for any situation where you balance things out.

How do I say 'to compensate'?

The verb form is 'compensar'. For example: 'Eso no compensa el daño' (That doesn't make up for/compensate the damage).