Inklingo

How to Say "payoff" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recompensa

reh-kohm-PEHN-sah/re.komˈpen.sa/

nounB1general
Use this word when 'payoff' refers to a reward or the positive result of 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 payoff 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.

soborno

/so-BOR-no//soˈβoɾno/

nounB2informal
Use this word when 'payoff' refers to an illegal payment made to influence someone's actions, such as a bribe.
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 payoff 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.

Reward vs. Bribe

The most common mistake is using 'recompensa' when 'soborno' is intended, or vice versa. Remember, 'recompensa' is for positive outcomes from effort, while 'soborno' is specifically for illegal payments or bribes.

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