Inklingo

How to Say "liability" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deuda

DEY-dah/ˈdeu̯.ða/

nounA1accounting term
Use 'deuda' when referring to a financial obligation or debt, especially in accounting or personal finance contexts.
A small cartoon bear is chained to a massive, heavy iron ball, symbolizing the burden of debt.

Examples

Tengo una gran deuda con el banco.

I have a big debt with the bank.

Necesito pagar mis deudas antes de fin de mes.

I need to pay my debts before the end of the month.

La deuda nacional es un problema serio para el país.

The national debt is a serious problem for the country.

Feminine Noun

Remember that 'deuda' is always feminine, so you must use 'la deuda' and 'una deuda'.

Using the wrong verb for 'to owe'

Mistake: “Hacer una deuda (To make a debt)”

Correction: The correct verb is 'tener una deuda' (to have a debt) or 'deber dinero' (to owe money). 'Contraer una deuda' means to get into debt.

responsabilidad

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAHD/res.pon.sa.βi.liˈðað/

nounB2Legal or financial obligation
Use 'responsabilidad' when referring to a legal or moral obligation, a duty, or the state of being accountable for something.
A small, focused child carefully waters a single potted green plant using a tiny red watering can, symbolizing the commitment required for responsibility.

Examples

La responsabilidad de cuidar a mi hermana es muy grande.

The responsibility of taking care of my sister is very great.

Asume la responsabilidad por tus errores.

Take responsibility for your mistakes.

El director evitó toda responsabilidad sobre el proyecto fallido.

The director avoided all accountability for the failed project.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'responsabilidad' is always a female word, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la responsabilidad'.

Prepositions with Responsibility

When talking about the thing you are responsible for, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'Tengo la responsabilidad de limpiar' (I have the responsibility to clean).

False Cognate Confusion

Mistake: “Decir 'Tengo responsibilidad' (Missing the 'a').”

Correction: The correct spelling is 'responsabilidad' (note the 'a' after the 's'), which is a bit different from the English word.

Debt vs. Obligation

Learners often confuse 'deuda' and 'responsabilidad' because both can imply an obligation. Remember that 'deuda' specifically refers to money owed, while 'responsabilidad' is a broader term for duty or accountability.

Related Translations

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