Inklingo

How to Say "gain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ganancia

gah-NAHN-syahɡaˈnan.θja

nounB1general
Use 'ganancia' when referring to a financial profit, income, or an increase in wealth or value.
A shiny gold coin sitting on top of a small pile of silver coins, showing a surplus.

Examples

La empresa tuvo una ganancia neta muy alta este año.

The company had a very high net profit this year.

Calculamos las ganancias después de pagar todos los impuestos.

We calculate the earnings after paying all the taxes.

No todo es ganancia en este negocio; hay muchos gastos.

Not everything is profit in this business; there are many expenses.

Singular vs. Plural

Use the singular 'ganancia' for the general concept of profit, but use the plural 'ganancias' when referring to specific sums of money earned over a period.

Gender Consistency

This word is always feminine. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' and make sure any describing words end in '-a' (e.g., 'ganancia esperada').

Don't use 'ganar' as a noun

Mistake: “El ganar fue mucho.”

Correction: La ganancia fue mucha. (English speakers often try to use the verb 'to win/earn' as a noun, but Spanish uses 'ganancia' instead).

ganar

verbA2general
Use 'ganar' when referring to the act of winning a competition, achieving a goal, or earning something through effort (like respect or a prize). This includes the subjunctive form 'gane'.

Examples

Espero que mi equipo gane el campeonato.

I hope that my team wins the championship.

Profit vs. Winning

The most common mistake is using 'ganancia' (profit) when you mean 'ganar' (to win). Remember, 'ganancia' is a noun referring to the result of profit, while 'ganar' is the verb for the action of winning or achieving.

Related Translations

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