Inklingo

How to Say "electricity bill" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forelectricity billis luzuse 'luz' when referring to the general concept of electricity or the power supply, often implying the cost or the service itself, especially in informal contexts. It can also mean the power going out..

English → Spanish

luz

/loose//luθ/

nounA2informal
Use 'luz' when referring to the general concept of electricity or the power supply, often implying the cost or the service itself, especially in informal contexts. It can also mean the power going out.
A glowing lightbulb hanging from a ceiling in a cozy room.

Examples

No he pagado la luz este mes.

I haven't paid the electricity this month.

Se fue la luz durante la tormenta.

The power went out during the storm.

Este mes la luz ha subido mucho.

The electricity bill has gone up a lot this month.

Tengo que pagar la luz mañana.

I have to pay the electricity bill tomorrow.

Using 'irse' for power outages

To say 'the power went out,' Spanish uses the verb 'irse' (to leave). You say 'se fue la luz' (the light left).

Power Outages

Mistake:La luz está muerta.

Correction: No hay luz or Se fue la luz. Spanish speakers don't say the power is 'dead'.

eléctrica

nounB1
Use 'eléctrica' specifically when referring to the bill or invoice from the electric company, highlighting the formal document and payment aspect.

Examples

Recibí la eléctrica hoy.

I received the electricity bill today.

Confusing 'luz' and 'eléctrica'

Learners often use 'luz' when they strictly mean the formal bill ('eléctrica'). While 'luz' can imply the bill in casual chat, 'eléctrica' is more precise for the actual invoice document you need to pay. Use 'eléctrica' when you want to be clear you're talking about the bill itself.

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