Inklingo

How to Say "grant" in Spanish

English → Spanish

beca

BEH-kah/ˈbe.ka/

nounB1general
Use 'beca' when referring to financial aid specifically for educational purposes, like scholarships or research grants for students.
A tall stack of shining gold coins resting beside a large, open academic textbook.

Examples

Ella recibió una beca para estudiar en la universidad.

She received a grant/scholarship to study at university.

Solicité una beca para estudiar en el extranjero.

I applied for a scholarship to study abroad.

Si obtienes una beca completa, no tendrás que pagar la matrícula.

If you get a full scholarship, you won't have to pay tuition.

Ella vive de una beca de investigación del gobierno.

She lives off a government research grant.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'beca' is always feminine. You must use 'la beca' or 'una beca' (the scholarship, a scholarship).

Confusing 'Pedir' and 'Solicitar'

Mistake: “Usar 'pedir una beca' (to ask for a scholarship) is less formal and common than 'solicitar una beca'.”

Correction: Use 'solicitar una beca' (to formally apply) when discussing the application process.

bolsa

/bol-sah//ˈbol.sa/

nounB2general/financial
Use 'bolsa' primarily when referring to a 'bolsa de estudios,' which is another term for scholarship, or in financial contexts like 'Bolsa de Valores' (stock exchange).
A majestic, ornate classical building facade with tall columns, symbolizing a major financial exchange or stock market.

Examples

Le ofrecieron una bolsa de estudios para su maestría.

They offered her a scholarship grant for her master's degree.

Las acciones subieron hoy en la Bolsa de Nueva York.

The stocks rose today on the New York Stock Exchange.

Él invierte en la bolsa desde hace diez años.

He has been investing in the stock market for ten years.

The name of the place

When talking about the physical place of the stock market, always use the definite article 'la': 'la bolsa'.

Beca vs. Bolsa for Grants

Learners often confuse 'beca' and 'bolsa' when referring to scholarships. While 'bolsa de estudios' is a valid term, 'beca' is far more common and direct for academic or research grants. Stick to 'beca' for these contexts unless you specifically encounter 'bolsa de estudios'.

Related Translations

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