Inklingo

How to Say "liability" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deuda

DEY-dahˈdeu̯.ða

nounA1accounting term
Use 'deuda' when referring to a financial debt, especially in a general or personal context, like money owed to a bank or individual.
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.

pasivo

pah-SEE-bohpaˈsiβo

nounB2accounting and business
Use 'pasivo' specifically in accounting and business contexts to refer to a company's liabilities, meaning what the company owes to others.
A heavy, red-colored sack with a minus sign on it, weighing down one side of a balance scale.

Examples

El pasivo de la empresa ha crecido mucho este trimestre.

The company's liabilities have grown a lot this quarter.

Debemos restar los pasivos de los activos.

We must subtract the liabilities from the assets.

Tiene un pasivo exigible a corto plazo.

He has a short-term debt that needs to be paid.

Always Masculine as a Noun

When talking about money and debts in accounting, the word is always 'el pasivo', even if the debt is for a large group.

Passive vs. Debt

Mistake: “Thinking 'pasivo' as a noun means a 'passive person'.”

Correction: In Spanish, if you use 'el pasivo' as a noun, people will think you are talking about accounting. To describe a person, use it as an adjective: 'Él es muy pasivo'.

responsabilidad

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAHDres.pon.sa.βi.liˈðað

nounB2Legal or financial obligation
Use 'responsabilidad' when 'liability' refers to a broader obligation, duty, or legal responsibility that one is accountable for.
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.

Deuda vs. Pasivo

Learners often confuse 'deuda' and 'pasivo'. Remember that 'deuda' is a general term for debt, while 'pasivo' is a specific accounting term for a company's liabilities. Use 'deuda' for personal money owed and 'pasivo' for a business's financial obligations.

Related Translations

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