How to Say "incentive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “incentive” is “incentivo” — use 'incentivo' when referring to something that motivates or encourages a person or group to take a specific action, especially in a professional or goal-oriented context.
incentivo
in-sen-TEE-boinsenˈtiβo
Examples
El equipo necesita un incentivo para trabajar más rápido.
The team needs an incentive to work faster.
Los descuentos son un gran incentivo para los clientes nuevos.
Discounts are a great incentive for new customers.
El gobierno anunció nuevos incentivos fiscales para las pequeñas empresas.
The government announced new tax incentives for small businesses.
Always Masculine
The word is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change based on who receives the reward.
Using 'Para'
To explain what the incentive is for, use the word 'para' followed by the action or the person it is meant for.
Incentivo vs. Incentivar
Mistake: “Yo necesito un incentivar.”
Correction: Yo necesito un incentivo.
estímulo
Examples
El nuevo bono es un gran estímulo para los trabajadores.
The new bonus is a great incentive for the workers.
motivación
Examples
Mi principal motivación para estudiar es viajar a México.
My main motivation for studying is traveling to Mexico.
bono
boh-nohˈbono
Examples
Mi jefe me dio un bono por buen desempeño.
My boss gave me a bonus for good performance.
Este año no habrá bono de Navidad.
There won't be a Christmas bonus this year.
Los empleados esperan un bono de productividad.
Employees are expecting a productivity bonus.
Bono vs. Plus
A 'bono' is often a one-time extra payment, while a 'plus' is usually a regular monthly addition to a salary for a specific reason (like working nights).
False Friend: Bonus
Mistake: “Saying 'mi bonus' instead of 'mi bono'.”
Correction: While 'bonus' is sometimes used as a technical term, 'bono' is the natural Spanish word for a work bonus.
prima
pree-mahˈpɾi.ma
Examples
Recibimos una prima de productividad al final del año.
We received a productivity bonus at the end of the year.
En Colombia, la prima de servicios es obligatoria.
In Colombia, the service bonus (mandatory employee benefit) is mandatory.
Context Clues
If you hear 'prima' used in a work or salary discussion, it almost certainly means an extra payment, not a relative.
Financial vs. General Motivation
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