Inklingo

How to Say "interest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

interés

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to curiosity, attention, or a general desire to know or learn something.

Examples

¿Tienes interés en aprender a bailar salsa?

Do you have any interest in learning to dance salsa?

interés

nounB1financial
Use this word to talk about the money earned or paid on a loan or savings account.

Examples

El banco ofrece un alto interés para las cuentas de ahorro.

The bank offers a high interest rate for savings accounts.

intereses

/in-te-RE-ses//in.teˈɾe.ses/

nounB1financial
Use this plural form when referring to the financial charges or costs associated with borrowing money, like on a loan.
A small stack of gold coins with a stylized green sprout growing out of the top, symbolizing financial growth or monetary return.

Examples

El banco cobra intereses muy altos por los préstamos hipotecarios.

The bank charges very high interest for mortgage loans.

Ganamos intereses en la cuenta de ahorros cada mes.

We earn interest on the savings account every month.

Financial Plural

In Spanish, the word 'intereses' is almost always plural when referring to money earned or owed, even though in English you might say 'the interest rate' (singular).

Using 'Interés' for Money

Mistake: “Pagué mucho interés al banco.”

Correction: Pagué muchos intereses al banco. (Use the plural form 'intereses' when discussing the monetary amount.)

Singular vs. Plural for Money

The most common mistake is using the singular 'interés' when referring to the plural costs or charges on a loan. Remember that 'intereses' (plural) is typically used for the actual fees or costs of borrowing money, while the singular 'interés' can refer to the rate or a single instance of interest earned/paid.

Related Translations

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