How to Say "grant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “grant” is “beca” — use 'beca' when referring to financial aid specifically for academic studies, research, or educational travel.
beca
BEH-kahˈbe.ka
Examples
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.
subsidio
soob-SEE-dyohsuβˈsiðjo
Examples
El gobierno anunció un nuevo subsidio para las familias de bajos recursos.
The government announced a new subsidy for low-income families.
Muchos estudiantes solicitan el subsidio de transporte.
Many students apply for the transport allowance.
Sin el subsidio estatal, el precio del pan sería mucho más alto.
Without the state subsidy, the price of bread would be much higher.
Using 'Subsidio' with Prepositions
Use the word 'para' (for) or 'a' (to) after 'subsidio' to show what the money is for, like 'subsidio para vivienda' (housing subsidy).
Gender and Articles
This is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un'. It follows the standard pattern of nouns ending in -o.
Subsidio vs. Regalo
Mistake: “Me dio un subsidio de cumpleaños.”
Correction: Me dio un regalo de cumpleaños.
subvención
Examples
El gobierno ofreció una subvención para la compra de coches eléctricos.
The government offered a subsidy for the purchase of electric cars.
concesión
Examples
La empresa obtuvo la concesión del servicio de limpieza.
The company obtained the grant for the cleaning service.
dotación
Examples
El premio literario tiene una dotación de diez mil euros.
The literary prize has an endowment of ten thousand euros.
bolsa
bol-sahˈbol.sa
Examples
Le ofrecieron una bolsa de estudios para su maestría.
They offered him a scholarship for his 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'.
merced
mer-SEDmeɾˈθed
Examples
El rey le concedió la merced de un título noble.
The king granted him the favor of a noble title.
Esperamos la merced divina.
We hope for divine mercy.
Muchas gracias por vuestra merced.
Thank you very much for your kindness.
History in a word
The modern Spanish word for 'you' (usted) actually comes from a shortened version of 'Vuestra Merced' (Your Mercy).
Confusing with 'merced' as 'favor' today
Mistake: “Me haces una merced?”
Correction: Me haces un favor? While 'merced' means favor, it sounds like you are living in the 1600s if you use it for daily tasks.
Confusing 'Beca' and 'Subsidio/Subvención'
Related Translations
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