Inklingo

How to Say "payoff" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recompensa

reh-kohm-PEHN-sahre.komˈpen.sa

nounB1general
Use 'recompensa' when 'payoff' means a reward or a positive outcome that results from hard work or effort.
A tall, gleaming golden trophy sitting on a small pedestal, signifying a prize for achievement.

Examples

La recompensa por trabajar horas extras será un día libre.

The reward for working overtime will be a day off.

Ofrecieron una gran recompensa por información sobre el robo.

They offered a large reward for information about the robbery.

Ver a mis estudiantes triunfar es mi mejor recompensa.

Seeing my students succeed is my best reward.

Always Feminine

Since 'recompensa' ends in -a, it is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La recompensa es justa' (The reward is fair).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El recompensa”

Correction: La recompensa. Remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' since this word is feminine.

mordida

mor-DEE-dahmoɾˈðiða

nounB2informal
Use 'mordida' specifically for an illegal payment or bribe, often given to a public official to overlook an offense.
A hand discreetly passing a stack of folded paper money to another hand under a wooden table.

Examples

El oficial le pidió una mordida para evitar la multa.

The officer asked him for a bribe to avoid the fine.

Aquí no aceptamos mordidas.

We don't accept bribes here.

La corrupción y la mordida son problemas graves.

Corruption and bribery are serious problems.

The Logic of the Slang

This meaning comes from the idea of the official taking a 'bite' out of your money or the transaction.

Formal Contexts

Mistake: “El político fue arrestado por una mordida.”

Correction: El político fue arrestado por soborno.

soborno

so-BOR-nosoˈβoɾno

nounB2informal
Use 'soborno' for an illegal payment or bribe, similar to 'mordida' but can be used in slightly more formal contexts when discussing criminal activity.
A hand secretly passing a thick envelope to another person under a wooden table.

Examples

El empresario fue arrestado por ofrecer un soborno al policía.

The businessman was arrested for offering a bribe to the police officer.

Hay leyes muy estrictas contra el soborno en este país.

There are very strict laws against bribery in this country.

Using the word as a thing

As a noun, 'soborno' is masculine. Use it with 'un' (a) or 'el' (the) to talk about the actual money or gift being offered.

The thing vs. The action

Mistake: “Using 'soborno' when you mean 'to bribe'.”

Correction: Use 'soborno' for the money itself, but use 'sobornar' for the action of giving it.

Bribe vs. Reward

The most common mistake is using 'mordida' or 'soborno' when you actually mean a positive outcome or reward. Remember, 'recompensa' is for good results, while 'mordida' and 'soborno' are for illegal payments.

Related Translations

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