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How to Say "budget" in Spanish

English → Spanish

presupuesto

preh-soo-PWEHS-toh/pɾe.suˈpwes.to/

nounB1general
Use 'presupuesto' when talking about a formal financial plan, like a government's budget or a company's spending plan for a specific period.
Three stacks of coins of different sizes next to three distinct colored piggy banks, illustrating the concept of allocating funds.

Examples

El gobierno aprobó el nuevo presupuesto nacional.

The government approved the new national budget.

Tenemos que ajustarnos al presupuesto si queremos ahorrar.

We have to stick to the budget if we want to save.

Pedimos un presupuesto al carpintero antes de empezar la obra.

We asked the carpenter for an estimate before starting the work.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', 'presupuesto' is always masculine. Remember to use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using the noun 'presupuesto' where the verb 'presuponer' is needed (e.g., *Yo presupuesto que...*).”

Correction: Use the verb 'presuponer' (to assume) or 'creer' (to believe) instead. The noun is only for financial plans or estimates.

posibilidades

poh-see-bee-lee-DAH-des/posibiliˈðaðes/

nounB2general
Use 'posibilidades' (often with 'económicas') when referring to a person's or family's general financial means or available money for spending.
A large, heavy wooden chest overflowing with stylized gold coins and colorful precious gems.

Examples

La familia no tiene muchas posibilidades económicas.

The family does not have many financial resources (or means).

Con sus posibilidades, podría comprar un coche nuevo.

With his resources, he could buy a new car.

Context is Key

When used alongside words like 'económicas' (economic) or 'financieras' (financial), 'posibilidades' shifts its meaning from 'chances' to 'available money' or 'wealth'.

Presupuesto vs. Posibilidades

Learners often confuse 'presupuesto' and 'posibilidades'. Remember that 'presupuesto' refers to a specific financial plan or document, while 'posibilidades' describes a more general state of having money or financial resources.

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