Inklingo

How to Say "deficit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

agujero

ah-goo-HEH-roh/a.ɣuˈxe.ɾo/

nounB1formal
Use 'agujero' to describe a significant financial shortfall, often used in official or economic contexts like government budgets or fiscal accounts.
A red ceramic piggy bank standing empty, with a visible crack in its side from which a few coins have fallen onto the ground.

Examples

Las nuevas cuentas muestran un agujero fiscal de tres millones de dólares.

The new accounts show a fiscal deficit of three million dollars.

Intentamos tapar el agujero de conocimiento con cursos intensivos.

We tried to fill the knowledge gap with intensive courses.

Figurative Use

Just like in English where you can have a 'hole' in your budget, 'agujero' is used figuratively to mean a severe financial problem or a significant missing amount.

descubierto

des-koo-BYER-toh/deskuˈβjeɾto/

nounB2informal
Choose 'descubierto' specifically when referring to a negative bank balance or an overdraft, indicating that you have spent more money than you have available in your account.
A simple brown leather wallet lying open and empty on a table, with a small, stylized grey rain cloud floating directly above it, symbolizing negative funds or debt.

Examples

El banco me avisó que tengo un descubierto de 50 euros.

The bank notified me that I have an overdraft of 50 euros.

Tener un descubierto puede generar altos intereses.

Having an overdraft can generate high interest.

Using the Term

This noun is almost always used in banking contexts to mean that you have spent more money than you have in your account.

hoyo

OH-yoh/ˈo.ʝo/

nounB2informal
Use 'hoyo' metaphorically to describe a company or entity facing severe financial difficulties or a deep financial shortage.
A small, empty, overturned wallet with a single coin rolling away, symbolizing lack of money.

Examples

La empresa está en un hoyo financiero muy profundo.

The company is in a very deep financial hole (deficit).

Intentamos salir del hoyo después de la crisis.

We tried to get out of the mess/hole after the crisis.

Figurative Use

This meaning uses 'hoyo' metaphorically, comparing a bad situation, especially one related to money, to being physically trapped in a deep pit.

Agujero vs. Hoyo

Learners often confuse 'agujero' and 'hoyo' because both can mean financial shortage. Remember that 'agujero' is typically used for official financial shortfalls (like budgets), while 'hoyo' is a more informal metaphor for being in deep financial trouble.

Related Translations

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