Inklingo

How to Say "foreclosure" in Spanish

English → Spanish

embargo

/em-BAR-go//emˈbaɾ.ɣo/

nounB2legal, financial
Use 'embargo' when referring specifically to the legal seizure of a property, especially a house, by a bank or lender due to missed payments.
A small, cozy house with a large, official legal seal or padlock placed on the front door by a formal person, representing the seizure of property.

Examples

El banco inició el proceso de embargo de su casa por falta de pago.

The bank began the foreclosure process on his house for non-payment.

Recibió una orden de embargo sobre su salario para pagar la deuda.

He received a wage garnishment order to pay the debt.

ejecución

nounC1legal
Use 'ejecución' for the broader legal term of seizure or execution, which can include property seizure (ejecución hipotecaria) but also has other meanings like the death penalty.

Examples

La ejecución hipotecaria dejó a la familia sin hogar.

The foreclosure left the family homeless.

Ejecución vs. Embargo

Learners often confuse 'ejecución' and 'embargo'. While 'ejecución' is a general term for legal seizure, 'embargo' is more precise for the specific situation of a bank foreclosing on a property due to debt. Stick to 'embargo' for home foreclosures.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.