Inklingo

How to Say "profitable" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rentable

/rren-TAH-bleh//renˈtaβle/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'rentable' when referring to a business, investment, or activity that generates a financial profit.
A small wooden treasure chest overflowing with gold coins sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Este pequeño negocio de café es muy rentable.

This small coffee business is very profitable.

Invertir en paneles solares es rentable a largo plazo.

Investing in solar panels is cost-effective in the long run.

La empresa cerró porque la fábrica ya no era rentable.

The company closed because the factory was no longer profitable.

One Form for Everyone

This word is 'gender-neutral.' Whether you are describing a masculine word (un negocio) or a feminine word (una empresa), 'rentable' stays exactly the same.

Using 'Ser' vs 'Resultar'

Use 'ser rentable' to describe a permanent state of profit, and 'resultar rentable' to say that something 'turns out' to be profitable after you do the math.

The 'Rent' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'rentable' to mean a house is available for rent.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'rentable' only means profitable. If you want to say a house can be rented, use 'alquilable'.

productivo

/pro-dook-TEE-bo//pɾoðukˈtiβo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'productivo' when describing something that produces a lot of something, often in an agricultural or industrial context, implying efficiency or high yield rather than direct financial profit.
A lush, green apple tree overflowing with many ripe red apples in a sunny field.

Examples

Estas tierras son muy productivas para el cultivo de maíz.

These lands are very yielding for corn cultivation.

El sector productivo del país necesita más inversión.

The country's productive sector needs more investment.

Es importante mantener un ciclo productivo eficiente.

It is important to maintain an efficient production cycle.

Use with 'Ser'

When talking about land or business sectors, we almost always use 'ser' because we are describing a characteristic of that thing.

Confusing with 'producido'

Mistake: “El sector producido.”

Correction: El sector productivo. 'Producido' means 'produced' (the result), while 'productivo' means the ability to produce.

Rentable vs. Productivo

The most common mistake is using 'productivo' when you mean 'rentable'. Remember, 'rentable' specifically means financially profitable, while 'productivo' means producing a lot, which may or may not result in profit.

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