Inklingo

How to Say "payment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “payment” is “pago” — use 'pago' for the general act or process of giving money to settle a debt or for a purchase.

English → Spanish

pago

PAH-goˈpa.ɣo

nounA1general
Use 'pago' for the general act or process of giving money to settle a debt or for a purchase.
A close-up view of two hands performing a transaction: one hand is placing a stack of paper currency and a few coins into the open palm of the second hand.

Examples

El pago de la renta es el primer día del mes.

The rent payment is on the first day of the month.

Ella recibió el pago por su trabajo inmediatamente.

She received the payment for her work immediately.

Aceptamos el pago con tarjeta de crédito o en efectivo.

We accept payment by credit card or in cash.

Always Masculine

Even though money (la moneda) is feminine, 'pago' is a masculine noun, so use 'el pago' or 'un pago'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'pago' as the action when you mean the verb 'pagar' (to pay).”

Correction: Remember 'pago' is the thing (the payment), while 'pagar' is the action (to pay).

cobro

KOH-brohˈko.βɾo

nounA2general
Use 'cobro' when referring to the act of receiving money that is owed to you, such as collecting a debt or rent.
A hand receiving a stack of gold coins from another person.

Examples

El cobro del alquiler se realiza el primer día del mes.

The rent collection takes place on the first day of the month.

Se aceptan diferentes medios de cobro, como tarjeta o efectivo.

Different methods of payment are accepted, such as card or cash.

Hubo un error en el cobro de mi factura telefónica.

There was an error in the charging of my phone bill.

Cobro vs. Pago

In Spanish, 'cobro' is from the perspective of the person receiving the money. If you are the one giving the money, you use 'pago'.

Using 'cobro' for 'check'

Mistake: “Tengo un cobro para el banco.”

Correction: Tengo un cheque para cobrar.

depósito

nounA2general
Use 'depósito' specifically for an initial payment, down payment, or a sum of money placed into an account.

Examples

Hice un depósito de cien euros en mi cuenta.

I made a deposit of one hundred euros into my account.

abono

ah-BOH-nohaˈβono

nounB2general
Use 'abono' when referring to a credit, installment, or a payment made towards a larger amount due, often implying a reduction of debt.
A hand placing a gold coin into a ceramic piggy bank.

Examples

He recibido el abono de mi salario hoy.

I received the credit of my salary today.

Tienes que realizar el abono antes del viernes.

You have to make the payment before Friday.

El banco confirmó el abono en su cuenta.

The bank confirmed the deposit into your account.

Financial Action

This word describes the specific act of money arriving in an account or being credited toward a debt.

Abono vs. Pago

Mistake: “El abono del café fue barato.”

Correction: El pago del café fue barato. Use 'abono' for more formal financial transactions like installments or bank credits, not for buying a simple item.

prestación

nounB2formal
Use 'prestación' to refer to financial aid, benefits, or allowances, especially from social security or an insurance provider.

Examples

He solicitado la prestación por desempleo tras perder mi trabajo.

I have applied for unemployment benefits after losing my job.

Pago vs. Cobro

Learners often confuse 'pago' (payment) and 'cobro' (collection/receiving payment). Remember that 'pago' is about giving money, while 'cobro' is about receiving it. Think of 'pago' as the action of the payer and 'cobro' as the action of the payee.

Related Translations

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