Inklingo

How to Say "down payment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

avance

ah-VAHN-say/aˈβanse/

nounB1general
Use 'avance' for a general initial payment, often when reserving an item or service, like a car or a hotel room, implying a step forward in the payment process.
Two stylized hands exchanging a small pile of gold coins for a decorative key, symbolizing a down payment.

Examples

Tienes que dar un avance del 10% para reservar el coche.

You have to give a 10% down payment to reserve the car.

Pedí un avance de mi sueldo para pagar las cuentas.

I asked for a cash advance on my salary to pay the bills.

entrada

en-TRAH-dah/enˈtɾaða/

nounB2general
Use 'entrada' specifically for the initial payment required for significant purchases like property or vehicles, or as part of a loan application.
A small stack of colorful paper money placed directly next to a miniature, simple model of a house.

Examples

Necesitas pagar una entrada del 20% para el préstamo.

You need to pay a 20% down payment for the loan.

Ya dimos la entrada y solo quedan doce cuotas.

We already gave the down payment and only twelve installments remain.

señal

nounB2general
Use 'señal' when leaving a deposit to secure a large purchase, such as a car or a property, emphasizing it as a sign of commitment to buy.

Examples

Para reservar el coche, tienes que dejar una señal de 200 euros.

To reserve the car, you have to leave a deposit of 200 euros.

Choosing between 'avance', 'entrada', and 'señal'

Learners often confuse these terms because they all refer to an initial payment. The key difference lies in specificity: 'entrada' is common for loans and major purchases, 'avance' is more general for reservations, and 'señal' specifically implies a deposit to secure an item.

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