Inklingo

How to Say "handover" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “handover” is “entrega” — use 'entrega' when referring to the official or formal giving of an item, like a package, a document, or a project deliverable.

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entrega

en-TREH-gahenˈtɾe.ɣa

nounA2formal
Use 'entrega' when referring to the official or formal giving of an item, like a package, a document, or a project deliverable.
A smiling person receiving a large brown cardboard package from a delivery worker at a doorstep.

Examples

La entrega del informe se realizará el viernes.

The handover of the report will take place on Friday.

La entrega de mi paquete está programada para mañana.

The delivery of my package is scheduled for tomorrow.

Necesito firmar la entrega de estos documentos importantes.

I need to sign for the handover of these important documents.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'entrega' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la' or 'una' with it.

relevo

reh-LEH-bohreˈleβo

nounB1
Choose 'relevo' when the 'handover' involves passing on duties, responsibilities, or a shift change, especially in a work context.
A security guard in a blue uniform handing a set of keys to another security guard in the same uniform at a desk.

Examples

El guardia de seguridad hizo el relevo a medianoche.

The security guard made the handover at midnight.

Llegó mi relevo y por fin pude irme a casa.

My relief arrived and I could finally go home.

El relevo de la guardia es a las ocho.

The changing of the guard is at eight.

Es necesario un relevo generacional en la empresa.

A generational handover is necessary in the company.

Always Masculine

Even if the person replacing you is a woman, the word itself is always 'el relevo' because it refers to the concept of the turn, not the person's gender.

Action vs. Person

'Relevo' can mean both the act of replacing someone and the actual person who is doing the replacing.

Confusing with Replacement Objects

Mistake: “Using 'relevo' for a spare car part.”

Correction: Use 'repuesto' for objects. Use 'relevo' for people or shifts.

transferencia

trans-feh-REN-see-ahtɾansfeˈɾensja

nounB2formal
Use 'transferencia' when the handover specifically concerns the transfer of control, data, funds, or responsibility, often in a technical or financial context.
A storybook illustration showing a bright red box floating or being carried across a short gap from a green platform onto a blue platform, illustrating the concept of physical transfer.

Examples

La transferencia de autoridad al nuevo director fue pacífica.

The handover of authority to the new director was peaceful.

La transferencia de datos al nuevo servidor fue exitosa.

The data transfer to the new server was successful.

Solicitó la transferencia a otra sucursal de la empresa.

She requested the transfer to another branch of the company.

La transferencia de propiedad del coche requiere mucho papeleo.

The transfer of car ownership requires a lot of paperwork.

Prepositions with Movement

When talking about physical movement, you usually use the preposition 'a' (to) or 'de' (from): 'transferencia de personal a otra ciudad' (transfer of personnel to another city).

extradición

nounB2formal
Employ 'extradición' strictly for the legal process of handing over a fugitive or criminal suspect from one jurisdiction to another.

Examples

El gobierno solicitó la extradición del delincuente.

The government requested the handover of the criminal.

Choosing Between 'Entrega' and 'Relevo'

Learners often confuse 'entrega' and 'relevo'. Remember that 'entrega' typically involves a physical item or a formal deliverable, while 'relevo' focuses on the passing of ongoing responsibilities or a change in personnel covering a duty.

Related Translations

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