Inklingo

How to Say "outcome" in Spanish

English → Spanish

resultado

reh-soo-TAH-dohresuɫˈt̪aðo

nounA2general
Use 'resultado' when you want to refer to the general consequence or final score of an event, like a game or a test.
A small, brown terracotta pot sitting on a light surface. A single, very large, vibrant red flower with green leaves has successfully bloomed from the pot, symbolizing a positive outcome.

Examples

¿Cuál fue el resultado del partido anoche?

What was the score of the game last night?

Necesitamos un resultado más positivo para la reunión.

We need a more positive outcome for the meeting.

Los científicos publicaron los resultados de su experimento.

The scientists published the results of their experiment.

Masculine Gender

Since 'resultado' ends in '-o', it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it, like 'El resultado es claro' (The result is clear).

Using 'la' instead of 'el'

Mistake: “La resultado fue sorprendente.”

Correction: El resultado fue sorprendente. (Remember the pattern: most nouns ending in -o are masculine.)

desenlace

deh-sen-LAH-sehdesenˈlaθe

nounB2general
Choose 'desenlace' when referring to the ending or resolution of a story, movie, play, or a conflict.
A closed storybook sitting on a wooden table with a single rose lying next to it, signaling the end of a tale.

Examples

El desenlace de la película fue totalmente inesperado.

The ending of the movie was totally unexpected.

Los ciudadanos esperan un desenlace pacífico a la crisis.

The citizens hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

En el desenlace de la novela, el detective descubre al culpable.

In the resolution of the novel, the detective discovers the culprit.

A 'Tie' to the Story

This word comes from 'des-' (undoing) and 'enlace' (a tie or link). Think of it as 'untying the knot' of a complicated plot.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in -e, which can sometimes be tricky, this word is always masculine: 'el desenlace'.

Desenlace vs. Fin

Mistake: “Using 'desenlace' for the physical end of a road.”

Correction: Use 'fin' or 'final' for physical ends. 'Desenlace' is only for the results or resolutions of events and stories.

saldo

SAHL-dohˈsal.do

nounB2formal
Use 'saldo' to describe the net result or overall balance of a meeting, a period of time, or a financial transaction.
A blooming flower growing out of a small patch of soil.

Examples

La reunión dejó un saldo muy positivo para la empresa.

The meeting left a very positive outcome for the company.

El accidente dejó un saldo de cuatro heridos leves.

The accident left a toll of four people with minor injuries.

El saldo final de la temporada fue mejor de lo esperado.

The final result of the season was better than expected.

Using Saldo for Numbers

When 'saldo' refers to casualties or victims, it is often followed by the preposition 'de' + a number.

General vs. Specific Outcomes

Learners often use 'resultado' for all situations, but it's important to distinguish. Use 'desenlace' specifically for narrative endings and 'saldo' for the net effect of a period or event, especially in business or finance. 'Resultado' is the most versatile but less precise.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.