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How to Say "earnings" in Spanish

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ganancias

/gah-NAHN-see-ahs//ɡaˈnan.sjas/

nounB1general
Use 'ganancias' to refer to the profits or the total amount of money a company or individual has made, often in a specific period.
A large, neat stack of shiny gold coins resting on a wooden surface, representing a financial surplus.

Examples

Las ganancias de la empresa superaron las expectativas este trimestre.

The company's profits exceeded expectations this quarter.

¿Cuáles son tus ganancias mensuales después de impuestos?

What are your monthly earnings after taxes?

La venta de la casa generó unas ganancias inesperadas.

The sale of the house generated some unexpected gains (or profits).

Always Plural

This word is almost always used in the plural form, 'ganancias,' even when referring to a single total amount of money. You must use the feminine plural article 'las' with it.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “La ganancia fue alta. (Incorrect for general profit/earnings)”

Correction: Las ganancias fueron altas. (Correct) — Use the plural form ('ganancias') when talking about overall money earned.

ingresos

een-GREH-sohs/inˈɡɾesos/

nounA2general
Use 'ingresos' to talk about the money earned from work or employment, focusing on the inflow of cash.
A happy person collecting a steady stream of generic gold coins pouring out of a slot into a basket, symbolizing regular income.

Examples

Necesito un aumento de sueldo para mejorar mis ingresos.

I need a salary increase to improve my income.

La declaración de ingresos y gastos se presenta en abril.

The declaration of income and expenses is filed in April.

Sus ingresos pasivos provienen del alquiler de propiedades.

His passive income comes from property rentals.

Always Plural

Even though 'income' is often a single concept in English, in Spanish, 'ingresos' is almost always used in the plural form, referring to the collected payments or earnings.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “El ingreso es bajo.”

Correction: Los ingresos son bajos. (Remember the plural form for financial earnings.)

beneficio

beh-neh-FEE-syoh/beneˈfiθjo/

nounB1business
Choose 'beneficio' when specifically discussing a company's net profit or financial gain after expenses.
A neat pile of overflowing gold coins and paper currency sitting on a wooden table, clearly illustrating financial gain.

Examples

La compañía espera un beneficio récord este trimestre.

The company expects a record profit this quarter.

Vendimos el coche con un pequeño beneficio.

We sold the car with a small gain.

renta

REN-tah/ˈren.ta/

nounB1general
Use 'renta' to refer to the total income of a household or individual, often in the context of taxes or family finances.
A person happily catching a stream of gold coins falling into their hand, symbolizing regular income.

Examples

Necesito un aumento de sueldo para mejorar mi renta familiar.

I need a salary increase to improve my family income.

La renta per cápita en esta región es de 25,000 euros.

The per capita income in this region is 25,000 euros.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'a', remember to use the feminine articles: 'la renta' and 'una renta'.

Ganancias vs. Ingresos

The most common confusion is between 'ganancias' and 'ingresos'. Remember that 'ingresos' refers to money coming in, especially from work, while 'ganancias' is more about the net profit or total money made after costs.

Related Translations

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