Inklingo

How to Say "fees" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cargos

cár-gosˈkaɾɣos

nounB1general
Use 'cargos' to refer to charges or fees applied by a service provider, such as a bank or a company, often for a specific action or omission.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a hand dropping a coin into the slot of a ceramic piggy bank, with a stylized red arrow pointing down, symbolizing a financial charge or debit.

Examples

El banco aplicó varios cargos por mora en mi cuenta.

The bank applied several late payment charges to my account.

Puedes revisar todos los cargos del mes en tu extracto bancario.

You can review all the month's debits on your bank statement.

Direct Translation

In financial contexts, 'cargos' is the most direct and accurate way to translate 'charges' or 'debits' when talking about money being taken out of an account.

Confusing Fees

Mistake: “Using 'tarifas' instead of 'cargos' when talking about bank debits.”

Correction: While 'tarifas' means 'rates/fees,' 'cargos' specifically refers to the amount deducted from the account. Use 'cargos' for transactions.

derechos

deh-REH-chosdeˈɾe.tʃos

nounB1formal
Use 'derechos' for official charges, duties, or fees imposed by a government or authority, especially for permits, licenses, or crossing borders.
A cartoon hand dropping a large gold coin into a simple wooden collection box, representing a payment or fee.

Examples

Tuvimos que pagar derechos de aduana por la importación.

We had to pay customs duties for the import.

Los derechos de matrícula son muy elevados en esa universidad.

The registration fees are very high at that university.

Financial Context Clues

When 'derechos' is followed by a word like 'aduana' (customs) or 'matrícula' (registration), it refers to the mandatory payment or charge, not a moral entitlement.

Distinguishing 'Cargos' from 'Derechos'

Learners often confuse 'cargos' and 'derechos' because both can mean 'charges'. Remember that 'cargos' usually applies to fees from private entities for services, while 'derechos' are typically official governmental or legal fees.

Related Translations

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