Inklingo

How to Say "credit" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “credit” is “crédito” — use 'crédito' for a formal financial loan or the general ability to borrow money, as well as for academic course units required for graduation.

créditoA2/B1

Use 'crédito' for a formal financial loan or the general ability to borrow money, as well as for academic course units required for graduation.

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saldo🔊A2

Use 'saldo' to refer to the available balance or amount of money remaining on a prepaid card or mobile phone.

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abono🔊B2

Use 'abono' when referring to a deposit or a sum of money that has been added to an account, like a salary payment.

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méritoB1

Use 'mérito' to acknowledge someone's effort or achievement, giving them credit for doing a good job.

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medalla🔊B2

Use 'medalla' figuratively to mean taking credit or receiving praise, often when it might be undeserved or for group work.

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haber🔊C1

Use 'haber' specifically in accounting contexts to refer to the credit side of a ledger, as opposed to the debit side ('debe').

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English → Spanish

crédito

nounA2/B1formal/neutral
Use 'crédito' for a formal financial loan or the general ability to borrow money, as well as for academic course units required for graduation.

Examples

Pedí un crédito al banco para comprar la casa.

I asked the bank for a loan to buy the house.

saldo

SAHL-dohˈsal.do

nounA2informal/neutral
Use 'saldo' to refer to the available balance or amount of money remaining on a prepaid card or mobile phone.
A small pile of gold coins sitting on a simple wooden table.

Examples

No tengo saldo en mi teléfono para hacer una llamada.

I don't have any credit on my phone to make a call.

Puedes consultar tu saldo en cualquier cajero automático.

You can check your balance at any ATM.

El saldo de mi cuenta de ahorros es positivo.

My savings account balance is positive.

Gender and Articles

The word 'saldo' is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' (e.g., 'el saldo', 'un saldo').

The 'Salary' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'saldo' when you mean your monthly paycheck.”

Correction: Use 'sueldo' for salary. 'Saldo' is for bank balances or phone credit.

abono

ah-BOH-nohaˈβono

nounB2
Use 'abono' when referring to a deposit or a sum of money that has been added to an account, like a salary payment.
A hand placing a gold coin into a ceramic piggy bank.

Examples

He recibido el abono de mi salario hoy.

I received the credit of my salary today.

Tienes que realizar el abono antes del viernes.

You have to make the payment before Friday.

El banco confirmó el abono en su cuenta.

The bank confirmed the deposit into your account.

Financial Action

This word describes the specific act of money arriving in an account or being credited toward a debt.

Abono vs. Pago

Mistake: “El abono del café fue barato.”

Correction: El pago del café fue barato. Use 'abono' for more formal financial transactions like installments or bank credits, not for buying a simple item.

mérito

nounB1
Use 'mérito' to acknowledge someone's effort or achievement, giving them credit for doing a good job.

Examples

Tu dibujo tiene mucho mérito, te esforzaste mucho.

Your drawing has a lot of merit; you put in a lot of effort.

medalla

meh-DAH-yahmeˈða.ʝa

nounB2informal/figurative
Use 'medalla' figuratively to mean taking credit or receiving praise, often when it might be undeserved or for group work.
A simple green laurel wreath placed on a colorful pedestal, symbolizing honor and recognition.

Examples

Él siempre se cuelga la medalla por el trabajo de su equipo.

He always takes the credit for his team's work.

No te cuelgues la medalla; yo fui quien tuvo la idea.

Don't take the credit; I was the one who had the idea.

Reflexive Action

This idiom uses the reflexive verb 'colgarse' (to hang [something] on oneself), emphasizing that the person is actively taking the credit for themselves.

haber

ah-BEHRaˈβeɾ

nounC1formal/technical
Use 'haber' specifically in accounting contexts to refer to the credit side of a ledger, as opposed to the debit side ('debe').
A treasure chest overflowing with gold coins and jewels, representing financial assets or credit balance.

Examples

El contador revisó el debe y el haber de la cuenta.

The accountant checked the debit and credit of the account.

El haber total de la compañía es impresionante.

The company's total assets are impressive.

Confusing Loans with Deposits

Learners often confuse 'crédito' (loan) with 'abono' (deposit/money added). Remember, 'crédito' is about borrowing or owing, while 'abono' is about receiving money into your account.

Related Translations

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