Inklingo

How to Say "expenditure" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gasto

GAHS-tohˈɡasto

nounA2formal financial term
Use 'gasto' when referring to a specific financial cost or outflow of money, often for goods, services, or unexpected expenses.
A colorful piggy bank being opened with several gold coins spilling out onto a wooden table.

Examples

El gasto en educación ha aumentado este año.

The expenditure on education has increased this year.

Tengo un gasto extra este mes porque se rompió mi móvil.

I have an extra expense this month because my phone broke.

Debemos reducir los gastos de la empresa para ahorrar dinero.

We must reduce the company's expenses to save money.

El gasto público en educación ha aumentado este año.

Public spending on education has increased this year.

Using Gasto vs. Coste

'Gasto' refers to the act of money leaving your pocket, while 'coste' refers to the price tag of an item.

Expense vs. Expenses

Mistake: “El gastos es alto.”

Correction: El gasto es alto (singular) or Los gastos son altos (plural). Just like in English, make sure the word matches the number of things you're talking about.

inversión

nounB1formal financial term
Use 'inversión' when the spending involves a significant amount of time, effort, or money with the expectation of future benefit or return.

Examples

La formación continua es una inversión en tu futuro profesional.

Continuing education is an investment in your professional future.

Gasto vs. Inversión

Learners often confuse 'gasto' and 'inversión' by using 'gasto' for spending that is actually intended to yield future benefits. Remember, 'gasto' is typically a cost with no expected return, while 'inversión' implies a strategic outlay for future gain.

Related Translations

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