compensar
“compensar” means “to compensate” in Spanish (to make up for something negative).
to compensate, to make up for
Also: to offset, to be worth it
📝 In Action
Su amabilidad compensa su falta de experiencia.
B1His kindness makes up for his lack of experience.
La empresa compensó a los empleados por las horas extras.
B2The company compensated the employees for the overtime.
No me compensa trabajar tanto si no tengo tiempo libre.
B2It's not worth it to me to work so much if I don't have free time.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: compensar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'The good weather made up for the cold hotel'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'compensāre', which means 'to weigh one thing against another.' It combines 'com' (together) and 'pensāre' (to weigh).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'compensar' always regular?
Yes! 'Compensar' follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ar, making it very easy to conjugate.
Can 'compensar' mean 'to reimburse'?
Yes, especially in a legal or professional context where someone is being paid back for a loss or expense.
What is the difference between 'compensar' and 'recompensar'?
'Compensar' is about balance or making up for a negative. 'Recompensar' is specifically about giving a reward for something good.