Inklingo

How to Say "prize" in Spanish

English → Spanish

premio

PREH-mee-ohˈpɾe.mjo

nounA2general
Use 'premio' when referring to an item, money, or honor awarded for winning a competition, contest, or lottery.
A shiny golden trophy cup sitting on a wooden pedestal.

Examples

Ganó el primer premio en la feria de ciencias.

He won first prize at the science fair.

El equipo recibió un premio de diez mil euros por ganar el torneo.

The team received a prize of ten thousand euros for winning the tournament.

Ese actor ganó el premio a mejor película el año pasado.

That actor won the award for best movie last year.

Gender Check

'Premio' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el premio' (the prize) or 'un premio' (a prize).

Confusing 'Premio' and 'Precio'

Mistake: “Using 'precio' (price) when you mean 'premio' (prize).”

Correction: Remember 'premio' is the reward you win, and 'precio' is the money you pay.

recompensa

reh-kohm-PEHN-sahre.komˈpen.sa

nounB1general
Use 'recompensa' to describe something given in return for a specific action, service, or achievement, often implying a reward for effort or a bounty.
A tall, gleaming golden trophy sitting on a small pedestal, signifying a prize for achievement.

Examples

Ofrecieron una recompensa por información sobre el perro perdido.

They offered a reward for information about the lost dog.

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.

palma

PAHL-mahˈpalma

nounC1formal
Use 'palma' figuratively to mean the top award or the highest honor, often used in contexts like festivals or competitions where a film, artist, or work is declared the best.
A gold trophy cup standing on a podium.

Examples

La película se llevó la palma a la mejor dirección.

The film took the prize for best direction.

Esta película se llevó la palma en el festival.

This movie took the prize at the festival.

Historical Symbolism

This meaning comes from ancient times when a palm branch was given as a symbol of victory.

Premio vs. Recompensa

Learners often confuse 'premio' and 'recompensa'. Remember that 'premio' is typically for winning something in a competition, while 'recompensa' is more about being rewarded for a specific deed or effort, like a bounty or payment for a service.

Related Translations

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