Inklingo

How to Say "liabilities" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deudas

DEH-oo-das/ˈdeu̯.ðas/

nounA2accounting/legal
Use 'deudas' when referring to general debts, especially financial ones that need to be paid off, like loans or money owed.
A small, worried cartoon character is struggling to drag a heavy metal chain connected to a large, imposing pile of generic gold coins, symbolizing the burden of debt.

Examples

Necesito un trabajo para pagar todas mis deudas.

I need a job to pay all my debts.

El banco revisó la lista de deudas pendientes.

The bank reviewed the list of outstanding liabilities.

Tenemos una deuda de gratitud con nuestros padres.

We have a debt of gratitude toward our parents.

Always Plural

This entry uses 'deudas' (plural). If you are referring to a single obligation, use the singular form, 'la deuda'.

Confusing 'Deudas' and 'Debes'

Mistake: “Using 'debes' (you owe) when you mean 'deudas' (the things you owe).”

Correction: Remember 'deudas' is the noun (the debt), and 'deber' is the verb (to owe). 'Tengo deudas' (I have debts).

responsabilidades

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAH-des/res.pon.sa.βiˈli.ða.ðes/

nounA2legal/financial
Choose 'responsabilidades' when 'liabilities' refers to duties, obligations, or tasks one is accountable for, especially in a professional or personal capacity.
A friendly, simple character, like a small bear cub, balancing three distinct symbolic objects (a stack of books, a watering can, and a small key) in its arms, illustrating the concept of managing multiple duties.

Examples

Mis responsabilidades en la oficina aumentaron este mes.

My responsibilities at the office increased this month.

Delegamos las responsabilidades entre todos los miembros del equipo.

We delegated the duties among all the team members.

Las responsabilidades familiares son lo primero para ella.

Family responsibilities are the first priority for her.

Feminine Plural

Even though it ends in '-es', this word is always feminine. Remember to use feminine descriptive words (adjectives) with it, like 'muchas responsabilidades' (many responsibilities).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El responsabilidades”

Correction: Las responsabilidades. Since this word is feminine and plural, you must use the feminine plural article 'las'.

obligaciones

/oh-blee-gah-SYOH-nehs//oβliɣaˈsjones/

nounB2financial/legal
Use 'obligaciones' specifically for formal financial commitments like bonds, or legal duties that bind an entity.
A stack of coins and a small leather pouch on a wooden table.

Examples

La empresa emitió obligaciones para obtener capital.

The company issued bonds to raise capital.

Debemos revisar las obligaciones financieras del contrato.

We must review the financial liabilities of the contract.

Deudas vs. Responsabilidades

Learners often confuse 'deudas' and 'responsabilidades' because both can refer to things one owes. Remember that 'deudas' is primarily about money owed, while 'responsabilidades' extends to duties and accountability for actions or tasks.

Related Translations

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