impuestos
/eem-PWEHS-tohs/
taxes
When used as a noun, 'impuestos' means taxes, like the levies collected by the government.
impuestos(noun)
taxes
?government levies on income, goods, or services
duties
?customs or import fees
,levies
?formal term for fees or charges
📝 In Action
El gobierno anunció una subida de impuestos para el próximo año.
B1The government announced a tax increase for next year.
¿Cuánto pagas de impuestos en tu salario?
A2How much do you pay in taxes on your salary?
Necesito un contador para hacer la declaración de impuestos.
B1I need an accountant to do the tax return.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Even when referring to the concept of taxation generally, this word is almost always used in the plural form in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Feminine
Mistake: "La impuestos"
Correction: Los impuestos. Remember 'impuestos' is a masculine noun, so use the masculine article 'los'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Pagar'
The most common verb used with 'impuestos' is 'pagar' (to pay). 'Pagar los impuestos' is a key phrase.
As an adjective, 'impuestos' translates to imposed, meaning something that is required or forced upon someone.
impuestos(adjective)
imposed
?required or forced upon someone
established
?set down as a rule
,dictated
?ordered authoritatively
📝 In Action
Los límites impuestos a la creatividad fueron criticados.
C1The limits imposed on creativity were criticized.
Aceptaron los términos impuestos sin objeciones.
B2They accepted the imposed terms without objection.
💡 Grammar Points
From the Verb 'Imponer'
This adjective comes from the past participle of the verb 'imponer' (to impose). It must match the noun it describes in number (plural) and gender (masculine).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
Use this meaning primarily in written documents, news reports, or formal speeches when describing rules or restrictions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: impuestos
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'impuestos' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'impuestos' (taxes) almost always plural?
We usually talk about taxes in general, which include many different types (income tax, sales tax, property tax, etc.). In Spanish, it's natural to use the plural form 'los impuestos' when referring to the overall system of taxation.
How can I tell if 'impuestos' means 'taxes' or 'imposed'?
If it follows an article like 'los' and is the main subject of conversation, it almost certainly means 'taxes' (e.g., 'Los impuestos son altos'). If it follows a noun and describes it, it means 'imposed' (e.g., 'Los cambios impuestos').