Inklingo

How to Say "funds" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “funds” is “recursos” — use 'recursos' when referring to general money or assets available for use, often in a context of needing more to achieve a goal..

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recursos

/reh-KOOR-sos//reˈkuɾsos/

nounA1general
Use 'recursos' when referring to general money or assets available for use, often in a context of needing more to achieve a goal.
A colorful stack of useful resources, including gold coins, wooden blocks, and fresh apples.

Examples

Necesitamos más recursos para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

We need more resources to finish the project on time.

Los recursos naturales del país son muy valiosos.

The country's natural resources are very valuable.

La escuela no tiene suficientes recursos económicos.

The school doesn't have enough financial resources (funds).

Always Plural

In this context, 'recursos' is almost always used in the plural when referring to general assets or funds.

Confusing 'Recurso' and 'Recursos'

Mistake: “Using 'recurso' (singular) when talking about multiple funds or general assets.”

Correction: Use 'recursos' (plural) when talking about resources in general, like money or materials.

ahorros

ah-OHR-rohs/aˈorros/

nounA2general
Use 'ahorros' specifically for money that you have saved over time, usually for future needs or goals.
A pink ceramic piggy bank sitting on a wooden surface, receiving several shiny gold coins through the slot.

Examples

Necesito usar mis ahorros para pagar la universidad.

I need to use my savings to pay for university.

¿Tienes muchos ahorros en el banco?

Do you have a lot of savings in the bank?

Perdió todos sus ahorros en esa mala inversión.

He lost all his savings in that bad investment.

Always Plural

Even if you are referring to a single pool of money, 'ahorros' is always used in the plural form (like 'scissors' or 'trousers' in English). You must use 'los ahorros' or 'mis ahorros'.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Tengo un buen ahorro para mi viaje.”

Correction: Tengo unos buenos ahorros para mi viaje. (The singular 'ahorro' refers to the act of saving, not the money itself.)

fondos

FOHN-dohs/ˈfondos/

nounA2general
Use 'fondos' when referring to money that has been specifically set aside or raised for a particular purpose or project.
A clear glass jar filled to the brim with shiny gold coins, sitting on a plain surface, representing savings or funds.

Examples

Necesitamos recaudar fondos para el viaje escolar.

We need to raise funds for the school trip.

El banco aprobó los fondos para la nueva casa.

The bank approved the funds for the new house.

No tenemos fondos suficientes para pagar esto.

We don't have enough money to pay for this.

Always Plural for Money

When talking about money or financial resources, 'fondos' is always used in its plural form, even if you are referring to the general concept of money.

Using the Singular

Mistake: “Necesito fondo para el proyecto.”

Correction: Necesito fondos para el proyecto. (The singular 'fondo' usually means 'bottom' or 'background', not 'money'.)

medios

MEH-dee-ohsˈmeðjos

nounB1formal
Use 'medios' (often as 'medios económicos') to talk about the financial capability or means to afford something.
A simple, clear path winding through a landscape, leading directly to a large red flag planted on a distant hill, symbolizing a goal.

Examples

No tenemos los medios económicos para hacer ese viaje.

We don't have the financial means/funds to take that trip.

Debemos usar todos los medios a nuestro alcance para resolver el problema.

We must use every means at our disposal to solve the problem.

El fin no justifica los medios.

The end does not justify the means.

Means vs. Resources

When 'medios' refers to money or assets, it often takes the adjective 'económicos' (financial) or 'materiales' (material).

bolsillo

bol-SEE-yo/bolˈsiʎo/

nounB1informal
Use 'bolsillo' informally to refer to the money you currently have available or can easily access, often implying a limit.
A cartoon hand reaching into a tan-colored pocket and pulling out a small wad of colorful paper money.

Examples

Esa casa de lujo está fuera de mi bolsillo.

That luxury house is out of my price range (literally: out of my pocket).

Los libros de bolsillo son mucho más baratos que las ediciones de tapa dura.

Pocket books (paperbacks) are much cheaper than the hardback editions.

Figurative Use

When 'bolsillo' refers to money, it emphasizes personal affordability. Use 'fuera de mi bolsillo' to mean 'too expensive for me'.

Using 'Bolsa' instead of 'Bolsillo'

Mistake: “Using 'Mi bolsa está vacía' to mean 'My pocket is empty' (when referring to clothing).”

Correction: Use 'Mi bolsillo está vacío.' 'Bolsa' usually means a shopping bag or purse, not the pocket in a garment.

General vs. Specific Funds

Learners often confuse 'recursos' (general available money) with 'fondos' (money for a specific purpose). Remember, 'recursos' is broader, while 'fondos' implies a dedicated pot of money for a particular project or goal.

Related Translations

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