fianza
/fee-AHN-sah (Latin America) / fee-AHN-thah (Spain)/
bail
Fianza as 'bail' refers to the money paid to secure someone's temporary release from custody.
fianza(noun)
bail
?money paid to release someone from custody
,security deposit
?money paid to guarantee rental agreement
bond
?general financial guarantee
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que pagar una fianza muy alta para que saliera de la cárcel.
B2We had to pay a very high bail so that he could leave jail.
Cuando alquilas el apartamento, siempre tienes que dejar una fianza.
B1When you rent the apartment, you always have to leave a security deposit.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'fianza' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun, requiring feminine articles (la fianza, una fianza).
⭐ Usage Tips
Bail vs. Deposit
In legal settings, 'fianza' is usually 'bail.' In rental or contract settings, 'fianza' is 'security deposit.' Context is key!
When fianza means 'guarantee,' it represents an assurance or security of good faith.
📝 In Action
Su palabra es mi fianza de que cumplirá el contrato.
C1His word is my guarantee that he will fulfill the contract.
Le di mi fianza al proyecto, confiando en su éxito.
C2I gave my assurance to the project, trusting in its success.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Garantía' for Products
While 'fianza' can mean guarantee, use the word 'garantía' when talking about the warranty or guarantee on a product (like a phone or car).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fianza
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'fianza' in the sense of a financial guarantee for housing?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fianza' the same as 'garantía'?
They are similar, but 'fianza' usually involves a sum of money or property that is held as security, especially in legal or rental situations (like bail or a deposit). 'Garantía' is a broader term for any promise or assurance, like a product warranty.
How do I ask for my security deposit back?
You can say: '¿Cuándo me devuelven la fianza?' (When will they return the deposit to me?)