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How to Say "charges" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cargas

KAR-gahsˈkaɾɣas

nounB1general
Use 'cargas' when referring to literal loads being transported or to financial burdens or responsibilities, like debts or expenses.
A donkey carrying two heavy woven baskets filled with colorful fruit on its back.

Examples

El camión lleva varias cargas pesadas.

The truck is carrying several heavy loads.

No quiero ser una de tus cargas familiares.

I don't want to be one of your family burdens.

Making it Plural

Since the singular word 'carga' ends in a vowel, we simply add an 's' to make it plural: 'cargas'.

derechos

deh-REH-chosdeˈɾe.tʃos

nounB1formal
Use 'derechos' specifically for official costs, fees, or duties levied by an authority, such as customs or taxes.
A cartoon hand dropping a large gold coin into a simple wooden collection box, representing a payment or fee.

Examples

Tuvimos que pagar derechos de aduana por la importación.

We had to pay customs duties for the import.

Los derechos de matrícula son muy elevados en esa universidad.

The registration fees are very high at that university.

Financial Context Clues

When 'derechos' is followed by a word like 'aduana' (customs) or 'matrícula' (registration), it refers to the mandatory payment or charge, not a moral entitlement.

acusaciones

ah-koo-sah-SYOH-nessakusaˈsiones

nounB1formal
Use 'acusaciones' for formal allegations or claims, especially in a legal or judicial context.
A simple illustration depicting one stylized figure pointing a dramatic, accusing finger directly at another figure who appears surprised and distressed.

Examples

Las acusaciones de fraude causaron un gran escándalo en la empresa.

The accusations of fraud caused a major scandal in the company.

El abogado rechazó todas las acusaciones contra su cliente.

The lawyer rejected all the charges against his client.

¿Tienes pruebas para sustentar estas acusaciones?

Do you have evidence to support these allegations?

Gender and Number

This word is the plural form of the feminine noun la acusación. It always requires feminine plural articles and adjectives, like las or estas.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Decir acusaciones (to say accusations)”

Correction: Use *hacer acusaciones* (to make accusations) or *presentar acusaciones* (to file/present charges).

intereses

in-te-RE-sesin.teˈɾe.ses

nounB1financial
Use 'intereses' when talking about financial charges related to borrowing money, such as interest on loans or late fees.
A small stack of gold coins with a stylized green sprout growing out of the top, symbolizing financial growth or monetary return.

Examples

El banco cobra intereses muy altos por los préstamos hipotecarios.

The bank charges very high interest for mortgage loans.

Ganamos intereses en la cuenta de ahorros cada mes.

We earn interest on the savings account every month.

Financial Plural

In Spanish, the word 'intereses' is almost always plural when referring to money earned or owed, even though in English you might say 'the interest rate' (singular).

Using 'Interés' for Money

Mistake: “Pagué mucho interés al banco.”

Correction: Pagué muchos intereses al banco. (Use the plural form 'intereses' when discussing the monetary amount.)

Loads vs. Fees vs. Accusations

Learners often confuse 'cargas' (loads, burdens) with 'derechos' (official fees/duties) or 'intereses' (financial interest/fees). Remember that 'cargas' can be literal or figurative burdens, while 'derechos' and 'intereses' refer to specific financial costs.

Related Translations

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