Inklingo

How to Say "bonus" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bono

boh-nohˈbono

nounB1general
Use 'bono' specifically for an extra payment given as a reward for good work or performance, often in a professional setting.
A person in a business suit happily holding a large gold coin or a gift bag.

Examples

Mi jefe me dio un bono por buen desempeño.

My boss gave me a bonus for good performance.

Este año no habrá bono de Navidad.

There won't be a Christmas bonus this year.

Los empleados esperan un bono de productividad.

Employees are expecting a productivity bonus.

Bono vs. Plus

A 'bono' is often a one-time extra payment, while a 'plus' is usually a regular monthly addition to a salary for a specific reason (like working nights).

False Friend: Bonus

Mistake: “Saying 'mi bonus' instead of 'mi bono'.”

Correction: While 'bonus' is sometimes used as a technical term, 'bono' is the natural Spanish word for a work bonus.

extra

ESS-trahˈeks.tɾa

nounB1general
Use 'extra' when referring to an additional charge or fee for a service or amenity that is not included in the base price.
A simple illustration of a full grocery shopping cart. A single, distinct gold coin is floating above the cart, symbolizing an additional cost or charge.

Examples

El hotel cobra un extra por usar la piscina.

The hotel charges an extra fee (an extra) for using the pool.

El coche viene con muchos extras de seguridad.

The car comes with many safety extras (added features).

Definite Article

When used as a noun, 'extra' is masculine: 'el extra' (the extra charge) or 'los extras' (the extras/added features).

incentivo

in-sen-TEE-boinsenˈtiβo

nounB1general
Choose 'incentivo' when the 'bonus' is something offered to motivate someone to do more or better work, emphasizing the motivational aspect.
A donkey walking forward to reach a bright orange carrot hanging from a string in front of it.

Examples

El equipo necesita un incentivo para trabajar más rápido.

The team needs an incentive to work faster.

Los descuentos son un gran incentivo para los clientes nuevos.

Discounts are a great incentive for new customers.

El gobierno anunció nuevos incentivos fiscales para las pequeñas empresas.

The government announced new tax incentives for small businesses.

Always Masculine

The word is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change based on who receives the reward.

Using 'Para'

To explain what the incentive is for, use the word 'para' followed by the action or the person it is meant for.

Incentivo vs. Incentivar

Mistake: “Yo necesito un incentivar.”

Correction: Yo necesito un incentivo.

primo

PREE-mohˈpɾimo

nounC1financial
Use 'primo' for an extra payment, particularly in the context of insurance or financial premiums that are due.
A person's hand depositing a shiny gold coin into the slot of a sturdy, simple wooden box.

Examples

El pago del primo del seguro vence a fin de mes.

The insurance premium payment is due at the end of the month.

Recibió un primo por su excelente desempeño.

He received a bonus for his excellent performance.

Financial Context

In financial language, 'primo' refers to the regular payment made for an insurance policy. It's usually found alongside words like 'seguro' (insurance).

Bonos vs. Extras

Learners often confuse 'bono' and 'extra'. Remember that 'bono' typically refers to a reward payment for performance, while 'extra' is usually an additional cost for a service. Don't use 'extra' when you mean a work performance bonus.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.