Inklingo

How to Say "fortune" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fortune” is “suerte” — use 'suerte' when referring to good or bad luck in a general sense, like wishing someone well or describing an outcome.

suerte🔊A1

Use 'suerte' when referring to good or bad luck in a general sense, like wishing someone well or describing an outcome.

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fortuna🔊A2

Use 'fortuna' for both large sums of money (wealth) and for a specific instance of good luck or destiny.

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riqueza🔊B1

Use 'riqueza' specifically to describe accumulated wealth or a state of being rich, focusing on the monetary aspect.

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caudal🔊C1

Use 'caudal' to refer to a large amount of assets or resources, often implying a significant financial or intellectual 'flow'.

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ventura🔊B2

Use 'ventura' when referring to good luck or positive outcomes, often in a slightly more literary or formal context than 'suerte'.

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riñónB2

Use 'riñón' informally and figuratively to mean a very large sum of money, often used humorously.

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English → Spanish

suerte

SWER-tehˈsweɾ.te

nounA1general
Use 'suerte' when referring to good or bad luck in a general sense, like wishing someone well or describing an outcome.
A vibrant illustration of a lucky charm, like a four-leaf clover, glowing brightly against a simple background.

Examples

¡Te deseo mucha suerte en tu examen!

I wish you lots of luck on your exam!

¡Te deseo mucha suerte!

I wish you lots of luck!

¡Qué mala suerte que perdimos el tren!

What bad luck that we missed the train!

Tuvimos la suerte de conseguir una mesa sin reserva.

We had the good fortune of getting a table without a reservation.

To Be Lucky = 'Tener suerte'

In Spanish, you don't 'be' lucky, you 'have' luck. Always use the verb 'tener' (to have). For example, 'Yo tengo suerte' means 'I am lucky'.

Saying 'Soy suerte'

Mistake: “To say 'I am lucky', many learners translate directly and say 'Soy suerte'.”

Correction: The correct way is 'Tengo suerte'. Think of luck as a thing you possess. You can also use the adjective 'suertudo/a' ('Soy suertudo'), but 'tener suerte' is far more common.

fortuna

for-TOO-nahfoɾˈtuna

nounA2general
Use 'fortuna' for both large sums of money (wealth) and for a specific instance of good luck or destiny.
A bright green, perfect four-leaf clover centered on a lush background, symbolizing good luck.

Examples

El actor hizo una gran fortuna actuando en películas.

The actor made a great fortune acting in movies.

Tuve la fortuna de encontrar mi cartera en el parque.

I had the good fortune (luck) to find my wallet in the park.

La fortuna le sonrió y ganó la lotería.

Fortune smiled on him and he won the lottery.

Por fortuna, llegamos justo antes de que cerraran.

Luckily, we arrived just before they closed.

Always Feminine

Since 'fortuna' ends in '-a' and describes a non-gendered concept, it is always a feminine noun and uses 'la' or 'una'.

Context is Key

When 'fortuna' is used with verbs like 'gastar' (to spend) or 'costar' (to cost), it almost always refers to money or wealth, not luck.

Using 'Por Suerte' vs. 'Por Fortuna'

Mistake: “Using 'afortunadamente' too formally in casual speech.”

Correction: 'Por fortuna' is a very natural and common way to say 'luckily,' often replacing the longer adverb 'afortunadamente'.

fortuna

for-TOO-nahfoɾˈtuna

nounA2general
Use 'fortuna' when referring to destiny or fate, especially in the context of a fortunate event.
A bright green, perfect four-leaf clover centered on a lush background, symbolizing good luck.

Examples

Tuve la fortuna de conocer a mi ídolo.

I had the good fortune to meet my idol.

Tuve la fortuna de encontrar mi cartera en el parque.

I had the good fortune (luck) to find my wallet in the park.

La fortuna le sonrió y ganó la lotería.

Fortune smiled on him and he won the lottery.

Por fortuna, llegamos justo antes de que cerraran.

Luckily, we arrived just before they closed.

Always Feminine

Since 'fortuna' ends in '-a' and describes a non-gendered concept, it is always a feminine noun and uses 'la' or 'una'.

Context is Key

When 'fortuna' is used with verbs like 'gastar' (to spend) or 'costar' (to cost), it almost always refers to money or wealth, not luck.

Using 'Por Suerte' vs. 'Por Fortuna'

Mistake: “Using 'afortunadamente' too formally in casual speech.”

Correction: 'Por fortuna' is a very natural and common way to say 'luckily,' often replacing the longer adverb 'afortunadamente'.

riqueza

ree-KEH-sahriˈke.θa

nounB1general
Use 'riqueza' specifically to describe accumulated wealth or a state of being rich, focusing on the monetary aspect.
A large, open wooden treasure chest overflowing with shiny gold coins and sparkling colorful jewels.

Examples

La familia construyó su riqueza a través de la inversión inmobiliaria.

The family built their wealth through real estate investment.

No todo es la riqueza material; la felicidad es más importante.

It's not all about material riches; happiness is more important.

El país tiene una gran riqueza en recursos naturales.

The country has great wealth in natural resources.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though 'riqueza' ends in -a, remember it is always feminine, so you must use 'la riqueza' or 'una riqueza'.

caudal

kow-DAHLkawˈdal

nounC1formal
Use 'caudal' to refer to a large amount of assets or resources, often implying a significant financial or intellectual 'flow'.
An open wooden treasure chest overflowing with many shiny gold coins and sparkling gems.

Examples

El empresario demostró un gran caudal de experiencia.

The businessman demonstrated a great wealth of experience.

El profesor tiene un gran caudal de conocimientos.

The professor has a great wealth of knowledge.

La familia perdió todo su caudal en la guerra.

The family lost their entire fortune in the war.

Internet nos ofrece un caudal infinito de información.

The internet offers us an infinite wealth of information.

Abstract usage

When used for things like 'knowledge' or 'information', it usually follows the pattern: caudal + de + [noun].

Thinking it only means money

Mistake: “Tengo un caudal en mi billetera.”

Correction: Tengo dinero en mi billetera.

ventura

ben-TOO-rahbenˈtuɾa

nounB2literary/formal
Use 'ventura' when referring to good luck or positive outcomes, often in a slightly more literary or formal context than 'suerte'.
A simple four-leaf clover growing in a patch of green grass.

Examples

Le deseo toda la ventura en su nuevo camino.

I wish you all the luck on your new path.

Por ventura, encontramos el camino de regreso antes de que anocheciera.

By chance, we found the way back before it got dark.

La buena ventura no siempre acompaña al que más trabaja.

Good fortune does not always accompany the one who works the hardest.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it, even though it ends in 'a' like many other feminine words.

Using 'Por' with Ventura

When you put 'por' in front of 'ventura', it turns into an adverbial phrase meaning 'by chance' or 'accidentally'.

Ventura vs. Aventura

Mistake: “Using 'ventura' to mean an exciting trip or experience.”

Correction: Use 'aventura' for an adventure. 'Ventura' is specifically about luck or happiness.

riñón

nounB2informal
Use 'riñón' informally and figuratively to mean a very large sum of money, often used humorously.

Examples

¡Ese reloj de lujo costó un riñón!

That luxury watch cost a fortune!

Fortuna vs. Suerte

Learners often confuse 'fortuna' and 'suerte'. Remember that 'suerte' is the most common word for general luck (good or bad), while 'fortuna' can refer to a large amount of money or a specific instance of good destiny.

Related Translations

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