Inklingo

How to Say "bankruptcy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bancarrota

ban-ka-RO-tahbaŋkaˈrota

nounB1
Use 'bancarrota' when referring to the general financial state of being unable to pay debts, whether for an individual or a business.
An empty, weathered leather wallet lying open on a plain wooden table with no money inside.

Examples

Mi empresa está en bancarrota.

My company is in bankruptcy.

Él se declaró en bancarrota después de perder su trabajo.

He declared bankruptcy after losing his job.

La mala gestión llevó al club a la bancarrota total.

Bad management led the club to total bankruptcy.

Using the word with 'en'

In Spanish, we don't just say 'is bankrupt'; we say 'is IN bankruptcy' (está EN bancarrota). Always include the 'en' when describing a state.

Feminine Gender

This word is feminine, so use 'la' or 'una' and make sure any describing words end in 'a', like 'bancarrota total'.

Using 'es' instead of 'está'

Mistake: “La empresa es en bancarrota.”

Correction: La empresa está en bancarrota. We use 'estar' because bankruptcy is seen as a financial state or condition, not a permanent identity.

quiebra

KYEH-brahˈkje.βɾa

nounB2
Choose 'quiebra' to specifically denote the act or consequence of a business failing financially and ceasing operations.
An empty piggy bank lying on its side with a single small coin next to it.

Examples

La aerolínea se declaró en quiebra después de la crisis.

The airline declared bankruptcy after the crisis.

Muchos negocios pequeños temen la quiebra.

Many small businesses fear bankruptcy.

Using the word 'en'

To say a company is 'bankrupt,' Spanish uses the phrase 'en quiebra' (in bankruptcy) rather than using it as a simple adjective.

Quiebra vs. Bancarrota

Mistake: “Using 'bancarrota' exclusively.”

Correction: While 'bancarrota' is understood, 'quiebra' is the more standard legal and professional term in most Spanish-speaking countries.

ruina

RWE-nahˈrwi.na

nounB2
Use 'ruina' when the focus is on the complete economic destruction or downfall, often implying a loss of assets and resources.
A shattered ceramic piggy bank lying on a floor, with scattered coins rolling away, symbolizing financial loss or downfall.

Examples

La crisis llevó a muchos pequeños negocios a la ruina.

The crisis led many small businesses to ruin.

Su adicción al juego fue su ruina personal.

His gambling addiction was his personal downfall.

No puedo comprar eso; me dejaría en la ruina.

I can't buy that; it would leave me broke/ruined.

Saying 'Broke'

Mistake: “Using a literal translation like 'Estoy roto' to mean 'I am broke' (financially).”

Correction: The correct, common way to say you are financially ruined is 'Estoy en la ruina.' ('Roto' usually means physically broken or emotionally devastated.)

Bancarrota vs. Quiebra vs. Ruina

Learners often confuse 'bancarrota' and 'quiebra'. Remember that 'bancarrota' is a broader term for the financial state, while 'quiebra' more strongly implies a business's definitive failure and closure.

Related Translations

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