Inklingo

How to Say "financial" in Spanish

English → Spanish

financiero

/fee-nan-SYEH-roh//finanˈsjeɾo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'financiero' when referring to money, banking, investments, or the general economy, like the global financial system.
A shiny gold coin and a stack of paper bills resting on a clean, solid background.

Examples

El sistema financiero global es muy complejo.

The global financial system is very complex.

Necesito un buen asesor financiero.

I need a good financial advisor.

Matching gender

When describing a masculine word (like 'mercado'), use 'financiero.' If the word is feminine (like 'crisis'), it must change to 'financiera.'

Financiero vs. Económico

Mistake: “Using 'financiero' for personal savings or household shopping.”

Correction: Use 'económico' for general money matters and 'financiero' for banks, stocks, and big business.

fiscal

/fees-KAHL//fisˈkal/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'fiscal' specifically when talking about government revenue, taxes, public spending, or economic policies set by the state.
A massive pile of gold coins and stacks of currency resting on a polished wooden table, symbolizing public revenue and taxation. A small, dignified government building is visible in the background.

Examples

La reforma fiscal afectará a todas las empresas grandes.

The tax reform will affect all large companies.

El año fiscal en este país comienza en enero.

The fiscal year in this country starts in January.

Necesitamos un acuerdo fiscal con los países vecinos.

We need a financial agreement with neighboring countries.

Always the Same Form

As an adjective, 'fiscal' always looks the same, whether the noun it modifies is masculine ('el año fiscal') or feminine ('la política fiscal').

Confusing Adjective and Noun

Mistake: “Usar 'fiscal' para decir 'tax' (the thing you pay).”

Correction: Use 'impuesto' for the noun 'tax.' 'Fiscal' describes things related to taxes, but isn't the tax itself. E.g., 'el impuesto fiscal' is redundant.

material

mah-teh-ree-AHL/ma.teˈɾjal/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'material' when contrasting wealth or possessions with non-physical aspects of life, like spiritual or emotional well-being.
A colorful storybook illustration of a hand gently touching a large, solid, gray stone cube, emphasizing its physical and tangible nature.

Examples

La vida material no es lo más importante.

Material life (physical things) is not the most important thing.

Ella tiene muchas necesidades materiales que cubrir.

She has many material (physical/financial) needs to cover.

El daño material a la propiedad fue mínimo.

The material damage (physical damage) to the property was minimal.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'material' always stays the same regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'daño material,' 'vida material'). You only need to make it plural ('materiales') if the noun is plural.

Confusing 'Material' and 'Important'

Mistake: “Este error es muy material.”

Correction: While 'material' can sometimes mean 'significant' in legal or formal contexts, it usually means 'physical' or 'tangible.' For general importance, use words like 'importante' or 'crucial'.

Financiero vs. Fiscal

The most common confusion is between 'financiero' and 'fiscal'. Remember that 'financiero' is broad, covering all money matters, while 'fiscal' is specifically about government finances and taxes.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.