pensión
“pensión” means “pension” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
pension, retirement pay
📝 In Action
Mi abuela vive cómodamente con su pensión.
B1My grandmother lives comfortably with her pension.
Solicitaron la pensión de viudedad después de su fallecimiento.
B2They applied for the widow's pension after his passing.
boarding house, guesthouse
Also: small inn
📝 In Action
Encontramos una pensión barata en el centro de la ciudad.
A2We found a cheap boarding house in the city center.
La pensión incluía desayuno y cena.
B1The board (lodging) included breakfast and dinner.
alimony, child support
Also: maintenance payment
📝 In Action
El padre debe pagar una pensión alimenticia mensual.
C1The father must pay a monthly child support payment.
La pensión compensatoria se determinó en el divorcio.
C2The compensatory alimony was determined in the divorce.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "pensión" in Spanish:
boarding house→maintenance payment→pension→retirement pay→small inn→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pensión
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'pensión' is used in the phrase 'pedir la pensión completa'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *pensiōnem*, which originally meant 'a weighing out' or 'payment.' The concept evolved from a general payment to specifically meaning a regular, set payment for service (like retirement) or for lodging (like a boarding house).
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
How is 'pensión' different from 'jubilación'?
'Jubilación' is the process of retiring—the state of being retired. 'Pensión' is the actual money you receive every month after you retire. You get a 'pensión' after achieving 'la jubilación'.
Why does 'pensión' mean both money and a place to stay?
Both meanings come from the core idea of a 'fixed payment.' In the past, when you stayed at a boarding house ('pensión'), you paid a fixed price that covered both the room and the meals, which is why the word stuck for that type of lodging.