How to Say "balance" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “balance” is “equilibrio” — use 'equilibrio' when referring to physical stability or a state of being steady, like maintaining balance while walking or a balanced diet.
equilibrio
e-ki-LEE-bree-ohe.kiˈli.βɾjo
Examples
El gimnasta mantuvo el equilibrio sobre la viga.
The gymnast maintained his balance on the beam.
Perdí el equilibrio en la cuerda floja y me caí.
I lost my balance on the tightrope and fell.
Necesitas un buen equilibrio para patinar sobre hielo.
You need good balance to ice skate.
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'equilibrio' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el equilibrio'.
Gender Error
Mistake: “La equilibrio”
Correction: El equilibrio. This word does not change genders.
balanza
bah-LAHN-sahbaˈlanθa
Examples
Pesé la fruta en la balanza de la cocina.
I weighed the fruit on the kitchen scale.
Puse los tomates en la balanza para saber el precio.
I put the tomatoes on the scale to find out the price.
Esta balanza de cocina es muy exacta.
This kitchen scale is very accurate.
En el laboratorio usamos una balanza de precisión.
In the lab, we use a precision balance.
Always Feminine
This word is feminine, so you must always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la balanza), even if the object you are weighing is masculine.
Abstract Use
When used abstractly, it functions just like the English word 'scales' in the sense of justice or decision-making.
Balanza vs. Báscula
Mistake: “Using 'balanza' to talk about weighing yourself in the bathroom.”
Correction: Use 'báscula' for people or heavy trucks, and 'balanza' for smaller items like food or mail.
Balance vs. Balanza
Mistake: “Using 'balanza' to mean a 'bank balance'.”
Correction: Use 'saldo' for bank accounts. 'Balanza' is for comparing two sides or trade totals.
saldo
SAHL-dohˈsal.do
Examples
Consulté mi saldo bancario antes de comprar.
I checked my bank balance before buying.
No tengo saldo en mi teléfono para hacer una llamada.
I don't have any credit on my phone to make a call.
Puedes consultar tu saldo en cualquier cajero automático.
You can check your balance at any ATM.
El saldo de mi cuenta de ahorros es positivo.
My savings account balance is positive.
Gender and Articles
The word 'saldo' is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' (e.g., 'el saldo', 'un saldo').
The 'Salary' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'saldo' when you mean your monthly paycheck.”
Correction: Use 'sueldo' for salary. 'Saldo' is for bank balances or phone credit.
ecuación
Examples
Resolver la ecuación fue difícil.
Solving the equation was difficult.
Physical Stability vs. Financial Balance
Related Translations
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