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How to Say "asset" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “asset” is “activo” — use 'activo' when referring to a financial or business resource that has economic value, such as property or investments.

English → Spanish

activo

ahk-TEE-vohakˈti.βo

nounB2financial, business
Use 'activo' when referring to a financial or business resource that has economic value, such as property or investments.
A simple illustration of three stacked gold bars sitting on a cushion, representing a valuable financial asset.

Examples

Los activos de la compañía superan sus deudas.

The company's assets exceed its debts.

Compramos un activo fijo, que es una máquina nueva.

We bought a fixed asset, which is a new machine.

Always Masculine

When used in the financial sense (asset), 'activo' is always a masculine noun, even if it refers to something feminine (like 'una propiedad'). Use 'el activo' or 'los activos'.

fortaleza

for-tah-LEH-sahfoɾtaˈleθa

nounB2professional, personal
Use 'fortaleza' to describe a strong point or a particular skill that someone possesses, especially in a professional setting.
A happy child expertly balancing the final block on top of an extremely tall, stable tower constructed from simple multicolored wooden blocks.

Examples

Una de sus fortalezas es su habilidad para hablar en público.

One of his strengths is his ability to speak publicly.

Necesitas identificar tus fortalezas y debilidades para mejorar.

You need to identify your strengths and weaknesses in order to improve.

Plural Form

This meaning is very often used in the plural form, 'fortalezas', especially when doing a personal assessment or evaluation.

herramienta

ehr-rah-mee-EHN-taheraˈmjenta

nounB1general, practical
Use 'herramienta' when an 'asset' is something practical or a quality that is useful for achieving a goal, like a helpful tool or resource.
A glowing blue gear floating above a sleek laptop computer.

Examples

Esta aplicación es una herramienta excelente para aprender idiomas.

This app is an excellent tool for learning languages.

La educación es la herramienta más poderosa para cambiar el mundo.

Education is the most powerful tool to change the world.

Abstract Use

You can use this word for anything that helps you reach a goal, not just items you hold in your hand.

atributo

ah-tree-BOO-toha.tɾi.ˈβu.to

nounB1general, personal
Use 'atributo' to refer to an inherent quality or characteristic that is considered valuable or positive in a person or thing.
A bright red apple showing its smooth skin and round shape as distinct qualities.

Examples

La paciencia es su mejor atributo.

Patience is her best quality.

El liderazgo es un atributo esencial para este trabajo.

Leadership is an essential attribute for this job.

Los historiadores analizan cada atributo de la estatua.

Historians analyze every feature of the statue.

Gender and Number

Even if the quality you are describing is feminine (like 'paciencia'), the word 'atributo' remains masculine. You say: 'La paciencia es un atributo'.

Confusing with the Verb

Mistake: “Using 'yo atributo' to mean 'I attribute'.”

Correction: The verb is 'atribuir'. To say 'I attribute', use 'yo atribuyo'.

Activo vs. Fortaleza

Learners often confuse 'activo' and 'fortaleza'. Remember that 'activo' specifically refers to quantifiable financial or business resources, while 'fortaleza' describes a personal strength or skill.

Related Translations

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