Inklingo

How to Say "bearer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

portador

/por-ta-DOR//poɾtaˈðoɾ/

nounB1
Use 'portador' when referring to someone who physically carries a message, letter, or document to be delivered.
A person in a colorful uniform holding a large, sealed envelope with both hands.

Examples

El portador de esta carta le explicará todos los detalles.

The bearer of this letter will explain all the details to you.

El portador de esta carta le explicará todo los detalles.

The bearer of this letter will explain all the details to you.

Este cheque es al portador, cualquiera puede cobrarlo.

This check is payable to the bearer; anyone can cash it.

Él es un portador sano del virus y no tiene síntomas.

He is a healthy carrier of the virus and has no symptoms.

The '-dor' ending

This ending works like the English '-er'. It turns a verb (portar - to carry) into a person who does that action (portador - carrier).

Using 'al portador'

When talking about money or documents, 'al portador' means 'to whoever is holding it' rather than a specific person.

Phone 'Carriers'

Mistake:Using 'portador' for a cell phone company (e.g., Verizon).

Correction: Use 'compañía' or 'operadora' for phone services.

tenedor

/te-ne-dor//teneˈðoɾ/

nounC1formal
Use 'tenedor' when referring to the person who legally holds a financial instrument like a check, bond, or insurance policy.
A person's hands carefully holding a thick paper document with a gold seal.

Examples

El tenedor de la póliza debe firmar aquí.

The policy holder must sign here.

Es el legítimo tenedor de las acciones.

He is the legitimate holder of the shares.

Derived from 'Tener'

This meaning comes directly from the verb 'tener' (to have/hold). The ending '-dor' describes a person who performs that action.

Portador vs. Tenedor

The most common mistake is using 'portador' for financial documents. Remember, 'portador' implies physical carrying of a message, while 'tenedor' refers to legal possession of financial instruments.

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