Inklingo

How to Say "branch" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “branch” is “sucursal” — use 'sucursal' for a local office of a bank or a company, often implying a smaller, independent location within a larger network.

sucursal🔊B1

Use 'sucursal' for a local office of a bank or a company, often implying a smaller, independent location within a larger network.

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divisiónB1

Choose 'división' when referring to a specific department or section within a company or organization, like sales or marketing.

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brazo🔊B1

Use 'brazo' when referring to a natural extension or offshoot, such as a branch of a river, or a figurative extension of a group or organization.

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sede🔊B1

Use 'sede' to refer to the main office or headquarters of an organization, the primary physical location.

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disciplina🔊A2

Use 'disciplina' specifically for a branch of knowledge, an academic subject, or a field of study.

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filial🔊B2

Use 'filial' for a subsidiary, a company that is owned or controlled by a larger parent company, often in a different location.

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ramo🔊B2

Use 'ramo' to refer to a specific field of business, industry, or a specialized area within a profession.

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English → Spanish

sucursal

soo-koor-SALsu.kuɾ.ˈsal

nounB1general
Use 'sucursal' for a local office of a bank or a company, often implying a smaller, independent location within a larger network.
A modern building with large glass windows and a prominent logo, representing a local branch of a company.

Examples

¿Dónde está la sucursal más cercana de este banco?

Where is the nearest branch of this bank?

La empresa va a abrir tres sucursales nuevas en el norte del país.

The company is going to open three new branches in the north of the country.

Fui a la sucursal de correos pero estaba cerrada por ser festivo.

I went to the post office branch but it was closed because it was a holiday.

Always Feminine

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', this word is feminine. Always use 'la sucursal' or 'una sucursal'.

Making it Plural

To make it plural, add '-es' to the end because it ends in a consonant: 'sucursales'.

Not for Trees

Mistake: “La sucursal del árbol es larga.”

Correction: La rama del árbol es larga.

división

nounB1general
Choose 'división' when referring to a specific department or section within a company or organization, like sales or marketing.

Examples

Ella trabaja en la división de ventas.

She works in the sales division.

brazo

BRAH-sohˈbɾaθo

nounB1general
Use 'brazo' when referring to a natural extension or offshoot, such as a branch of a river, or a figurative extension of a group or organization.
An overhead illustration showing a wide blue river dividing cleanly into two smaller branches or streams.

Examples

Este brazo del río es muy profundo.

This branch of the river is very deep.

El robot tiene un brazo mecánico para levantar objetos pesados.

The robot has a mechanical arm for lifting heavy objects.

El arquitecto diseñó un nuevo brazo para el edificio principal.

The architect designed a new wing (or section) for the main building.

sede

SAY-dayˈseðe

nounB1general
Use 'sede' to refer to the main office or headquarters of an organization, the primary physical location.
A large, modern building with many glass windows and a prominent entrance, standing as a central hub in a clean city environment.

Examples

La sede principal de la empresa está en Madrid.

The company's main headquarters is in Madrid.

Ginebra es la sede de muchas organizaciones internacionales.

Geneva is the seat of many international organizations.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Don't confuse with 'sed'

Mistake: “Tengo sede.”

Correction: Tengo sed.

disciplina

dee-see-PLEE-nahdis.siˈpli.na

nounA2academic
Use 'disciplina' specifically for a branch of knowledge, an academic subject, or a field of study.
An open academic textbook resting on a desk, surrounded by objects symbolizing different fields of study, including a paintbrush, a simple geometric shape, and a magnifying glass.

Examples

La historia es una disciplina muy popular en la universidad.

History is a very popular subject at the university.

Hay muchas disciplinas científicas que me interesan.

There are many scientific fields of study that interest me.

El profesor domina varias disciplinas, desde la física hasta la química.

The professor masters several disciplines, from physics to chemistry.

Academic Usage

This meaning is often paired with adjectives like 'académica' (academic) or 'científica' (scientific) to clarify the area of study.

filial

fee-lee-AHLfiˈljal

nounB2business
Use 'filial' for a subsidiary, a company that is owned or controlled by a larger parent company, often in a different location.
A large building with a smaller, identical building next to it, connected by a simple path.

Examples

La empresa abrió una nueva filial en México.

The company opened a new subsidiary in Mexico.

Nuestra filial francesa reportó grandes beneficios este año.

Our French subsidiary reported great profits this year.

El banco tiene filiales en todo el mundo.

The bank has branches all over the world.

Gender of the company

Even though it doesn't end in 'a', this noun is feminine: 'la filial'. This is because it refers to 'la empresa' (the company).

Filial vs. Sucursal

Mistake: “Thinking 'filial' and 'sucursal' are exactly the same.”

Correction: A 'filial' is usually its own separate company owned by a bigger one, while a 'sucursal' is just a local shop or office of the same company.

ramo

RAH-mohˈramo

nounB2business
Use 'ramo' to refer to a specific field of business, industry, or a specialized area within a profession.
A large tree with many thick branches spreading out against a clear sky.

Examples

Ella es experta en el ramo de la medicina interna.

She is an expert in the branch of internal medicine.

Nuestra empresa lidera el ramo automotriz.

Our company leads the automotive sector.

¿En qué ramo de la ingeniería trabajas?

What branch of engineering do you work in?

Abstract Usage

In this context, 'ramo' acts as a category. It is usually followed by 'de' + a noun to specify the field.

Confusing with 'sucursal'

Mistake: “Voy a la ramo del banco.”

Correction: Voy a la sucursal del banco.

Branching Out: Sucursal vs. División

Learners often confuse 'sucursal' and 'división'. Remember, 'sucursal' refers to a physical location of a business (like a bank branch), while 'división' refers to an internal department within a company (like the sales division).

Related Translations

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