Inklingo

How to Say "allowance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “allowance” is “subsidio” — use 'subsidio' for regular financial aid provided by a government or organization to help cover costs like housing, transport, or education, especially for those with lower incomes.

subsidio🔊B1

Use 'subsidio' for regular financial aid provided by a government or organization to help cover costs like housing, transport, or education, especially for those with lower incomes.

Learn more →
asignaciónB2

Choose 'asignación' when referring to a specific sum of money that has been officially designated or allocated for a particular purpose, such as a budget item or a grant.

Learn more →
beneficio🔊B2

Use 'beneficio' primarily when discussing a payment or support provided by the government or an institution, often as a form of welfare or advantage.

Learn more →
prestaciónB2

Opt for 'prestación' when referring to a specific type of government support or benefit, often related to social security, unemployment, or disability.

Learn more →
raciónB2

Use 'ración' when talking about a fixed, often limited, portion or share of something, typically food, given to individuals.

Learn more →
provisiónC1

Employ 'provisión' in a business or accounting context to denote money set aside or reserved to cover anticipated future expenses or liabilities.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

subsidio

soob-SEE-dyohsuβˈsiðjo

nounB1general
Use 'subsidio' for regular financial aid provided by a government or organization to help cover costs like housing, transport, or education, especially for those with lower incomes.
A friendly government worker in a suit handing a large, glowing gold coin to a farmer standing next to a small tractor.

Examples

El gobierno anunció un nuevo subsidio para las familias de bajos recursos.

The government announced a new subsidy for low-income families.

Muchos estudiantes solicitan el subsidio de transporte.

Many students apply for the transport allowance.

Sin el subsidio estatal, el precio del pan sería mucho más alto.

Without the state subsidy, the price of bread would be much higher.

Using 'Subsidio' with Prepositions

Use the word 'para' (for) or 'a' (to) after 'subsidio' to show what the money is for, like 'subsidio para vivienda' (housing subsidy).

Gender and Articles

This is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un'. It follows the standard pattern of nouns ending in -o.

Subsidio vs. Regalo

Mistake: “Me dio un subsidio de cumpleaños.”

Correction: Me dio un regalo de cumpleaños.

asignación

nounB2formal
Choose 'asignación' when referring to a specific sum of money that has been officially designated or allocated for a particular purpose, such as a budget item or a grant.

Examples

La asignación de fondos para el hospital fue aprobada.

The allocation of funds for the hospital was approved.

beneficio

beh-neh-FEE-syohbeneˈfiθjo

nounB2general
Use 'beneficio' primarily when discussing a payment or support provided by the government or an institution, often as a form of welfare or advantage.
A large, supportive adult hand gently holding and lifting a small child's hand, symbolizing receiving social aid or assistance.

Examples

El gobierno aprobó un nuevo beneficio para los jubilados.

The government approved a new benefit for retirees.

Ella solicitó el beneficio de desempleo después de ser despedida.

She applied for unemployment benefit after being fired.

Use with Preposition 'De'

When specifying the type of benefit, use 'beneficio de' + the subject (e.g., 'beneficio de vivienda' = housing benefit).

prestación

nounB2formal
Opt for 'prestación' when referring to a specific type of government support or benefit, often related to social security, unemployment, or disability.

Examples

He solicitado la prestación por desempleo tras perder mi trabajo.

I have applied for unemployment benefits after losing my job.

ración

nounB2general
Use 'ración' when talking about a fixed, often limited, portion or share of something, typically food, given to individuals.

Examples

Los soldados recibieron su ración de combate.

The soldiers received their combat rations.

provisión

nounC1formal
Employ 'provisión' in a business or accounting context to denote money set aside or reserved to cover anticipated future expenses or liabilities.

Examples

La empresa hizo una provisión para pagar los impuestos.

The company set aside a provision to pay the taxes.

Government Aid vs. Allocated Funds

Learners often confuse 'beneficio', 'prestación', and 'subsidio' because they all relate to government aid. Remember that 'beneficio' is a broader term for a payment or advantage, 'prestación' usually refers to specific social security or welfare payments, and 'subsidio' is for financial help with ongoing costs.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.