How to Say "rate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “rate” is “tasa” — use 'tasa' for mathematical or statistical proportions, especially when discussing demographics or economic indicators like birth rate, unemployment rate, or interest rate.
tasa
TAH-sahˈtasa
Examples
La tasa de desempleo ha bajado.
The unemployment rate has gone down.
La tasa de natalidad ha disminuido este año.
The birth rate has decreased this year.
El banco ofrece una tasa de interés muy baja.
The bank offers a very low interest rate.
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in 'a', just remember it always uses 'la' or 'una'. It doesn't change based on who is speaking.
The 'S' vs 'Z' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'tasa' when you want to drink coffee.”
Correction: Use 'taza' (with a Z) for a cup, and 'tasa' (with an S) for a rate or fee. They sound exactly the same in most of Latin America!
tarifa
tah-REE-fahtaˈɾifa
Examples
Necesito consultar mi tarifa de internet.
I need to check my internet rate.
He cambiado mi tarifa de móvil para pagar menos.
I changed my mobile phone rate to pay less.
¿Cuál es la tarifa nocturna de la electricidad?
What is the night rate for electricity?
El taxista me cobró una tarifa fija hasta el aeropuerto.
The taxi driver charged me a fixed fare to the airport.
Identifying Gender
Since 'tarifa' ends in '-a', it is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., la tarifa alta).
Tarifa vs. Precio
Use 'tarifa' for official or set costs for services (like internet or water). Use 'precio' for physical items you buy in a shop (like an apple or a shirt).
Using 'tarifa' for everything
Mistake: “¿Cuál es la tarifa de esta camisa?”
Correction: ¿Cuál es el precio de esta camisa? (Use 'precio' for physical products, 'tarifa' for services).
ritmo
REET-mohˈritmo
Examples
El corredor mantuvo un ritmo constante.
The runner maintained a steady pace.
Estamos trabajando a un ritmo muy rápido para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
We are working at a very fast pace to finish the project on time.
Necesitas reducir el ritmo si quieres terminar la carrera.
You need to slow down the pace if you want to finish the race.
El ritmo de vida en la ciudad es agotador.
The pace of life in the city is exhausting.
Using Prepositions
When talking about the speed or rate, 'ritmo' is usually preceded by 'a' (at a certain pace) or 'de' (the pace of something). For example: 'Trabajar A un buen ritmo' or 'El ritmo DE crecimiento'.
Using 'velocidad' instead of 'ritmo'
Mistake: “Usar 'la velocidad de vida' para referirse al ritmo de vida.”
Correction: While 'velocidad' is speed, 'ritmo' is the better word for the general feeling or consistency of life or work. Use 'el ritmo de vida'.
tipo
tee-pohˈtipo
Examples
El banco subió el tipo de interés.
The bank raised the interest rate.
El banco central subió el tipo de interés.
The central bank raised the interest rate.
¿Cuál es el tipo de cambio entre el euro y el dólar?
What is the exchange rate between the euro and the dollar?
Necesito cambiar el tipo de letra en este documento.
I need to change the font type in this document.
frecuencia
freh-KWEN-syah (Note: In Spain, 'cia' sounds like 'thya'; in Latin America, it sounds like 'sya'.)fɾeˈkwenθja
Examples
La frecuencia de esta señal es de 100 MHz.
The frequency of this signal is 100 MHz.
Esta emisora de radio transmite en la frecuencia modulada (FM).
This radio station transmits on frequency modulation (FM).
El médico midió la frecuencia cardíaca del paciente.
The doctor measured the patient's heart rate (cardiac frequency).
Las ondas de sonido tienen una frecuencia muy alta.
Sound waves have a very high frequency.
Technical Use
In science, 'frecuencia' measures cycles per second (Hertz) or beats per minute (like heart rate).
velocidad
beh-loh-see-DAHDbe.lo.siˈðað
Examples
La velocidad de descarga es muy lenta.
The download speed is very slow.
La velocidad de procesamiento de este nuevo chip es asombrosa.
The processing speed of this new chip is astonishing.
Necesitamos aumentar la velocidad de respuesta al cliente.
We need to increase the speed (rate) of customer response.
El director notó que la velocidad del proyecto era muy baja.
The director noticed that the project's pace was very slow.
Business Contexts
In professional contexts, 'velocidad' often refers to the efficiency or quickness with which a task is completed, like 'time to market' or 'data transfer rate'.
incidencia
in-see-den-syahinθiˈdenθja
Examples
Se investiga la alta incidencia de esta enfermedad.
The high incidence of this disease is being investigated.
La incidencia de la gripe ha bajado este invierno.
The incidence of the flu has gone down this winter.
Hay una alta incidencia de desempleo en esta región.
There is a high rate of unemployment in this region.
Estudiamos la incidencia de la luz sobre las plantas.
We are studying the incidence of light on the plants.
Abstract Concept
In this sense, the word is usually used in the singular to describe a general trend or statistic.
índice
Examples
El índice de precios al consumidor aumentó.
The consumer price index increased.
razón
Examples
El pago se realiza a razón de cien euros por día.
Payment is made at a rate of one hundred euros per day.
tren
trentɾen
Examples
Lleva un tren de vida muy ostentoso.
He leads a very ostentatious lifestyle (rate of living).
Lleva un tren de vida que no se puede permitir.
He leads a lifestyle that he can't afford.
Es difícil mantener este tren de trabajo sin descansar.
It's difficult to maintain this work pace without resting.
proporción
Examples
La proporción de hombres y mujeres en la sala era igual.
The proportion of men and women in the room was equal.
Confusing 'Tasa', 'Tipo', and 'Tarifa'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.