Inklingo

How to Say "handout" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reparto

reh-PAHR-tohreˈpaɾto

nounA2general
Use 'reparto' when referring to the act of giving out physical items like flyers, packages, or promotional materials.
A delivery person on a small scooter with a large box on the back, driving down a street.

Examples

El reparto de los folletos se hizo esta mañana.

The distribution of the flyers was done this morning.

El reparto de los paquetes se hace por la mañana.

The delivery of the packages is done in the morning.

Hubo un reparto equitativo de las tareas.

There was a fair distribution of the tasks.

Using 'Reparto' with Verbs

You'll often see this with the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), as in 'hacer el reparto' which means 'to do the rounds' or 'to deliver.'

Delivery vs. Parcel

Mistake: “Using 'reparto' to refer to the actual box/package.”

Correction: Use 'paquete' for the physical box; 'reparto' is the action of delivering it.

distribución

nounB1formal
Choose 'distribución' when the focus is on the organized sharing or dissemination of information or materials, especially in an educational or formal setting.

Examples

La distribución de los apuntes será al inicio de la clase.

The distribution of the notes will be at the start of the class.

limosna

lee-MOHS-nahliˈmosna

nounB1informal
Use 'limosna' specifically for a handout of money or food given to a beggar or someone in need.
A kind person placing a silver coin into the weathered hands of another person.

Examples

Le dio una pequeña limosna al mendigo.

He gave a small handout to the beggar.

El hombre pedía limosna en la puerta de la iglesia.

The man was asking for alms at the church door.

Mucha gente da limosna durante las fiestas de Navidad.

Many people give charity during the Christmas holidays.

No es suficiente con dar limosna; hay que cambiar el sistema.

Giving handouts isn't enough; the system needs to be changed.

Verbs to use with 'Limosna'

In Spanish, we usually use the verbs 'dar' (to give) or 'pedir' (to ask for) with this word. Unlike in English where you might say 'begging,' in Spanish, the standard phrase is 'pedir limosna.'

Gender is fixed

This word is always feminine ('la limosna'). It doesn't change even if you are giving it to a man or if the person asking is a man.

Don't use 'hacer'

Mistake: “Hacer limosna.”

Correction: Dar limosna. In Spanish, you 'give' charity, you don't 'do' it.

Distinguishing 'reparto' and 'distribución'

Learners often confuse 'reparto' and 'distribución'. Remember that 'reparto' is more about the physical act of handing things out, like flyers, while 'distribución' implies a more organized or systematic process, often for information or educational materials.

Related Translations

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