recompensa
“recompensa” means “reward” in Spanish (A prize for achievement or service).
reward, compensation
Also: prize, payoff
📝 In Action
La recompensa por trabajar horas extras será un día libre.
B1The reward for working overtime will be a day off.
Ofrecieron una gran recompensa por información sobre el robo.
B2They offered a large reward for information about the robbery.
Ver a mis estudiantes triunfar es mi mejor recompensa.
B2Seeing my students succeed is my best reward.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recompensa
Question 1 of 2
Which word is the best synonym for 'recompensa' in the context of getting a prize for winning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'recompensar', which traces back to Latin *compensare*, meaning 'to weigh together' or 'to balance'. It reflects the idea of giving something back to balance the effort or loss.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'recompensa' and 'premio'?
'Recompensa' usually implies a return for effort, service, or loss (like compensation or a reward for finding something). 'Premio' is generally a specific award given to the winner of a contest or competition (like a trophy or cash prize).
Is 'recompensa' used only for good things?
Mostly yes. It refers to a positive return or benefit. However, sometimes people use it figuratively to describe a negative consequence that was 'deserved' for bad actions, but this usage is less common than the positive meaning.