Inklingo

How to Say "refund" in Spanish

English → Spanish

devolución

nounA2general
Use 'devolución' when you are talking about the noun 'refund' or 'return,' specifically the action or process of getting your money back for a purchase or returning an item.

Examples

Solicité una devolución del dinero porque el producto llegó dañado.

I requested a refund because the product arrived damaged.

devuelva

deh-BWEHL-bahdeˈβwelβa

verbB1general
Use 'devuelva' (a form of the verb 'devolver') when you are talking about the action of returning something, whether it's an item or money, in the context of a command or a request to someone else.
A friendly person handing a red book back to another person who is reaching out to receive it.

Examples

Por favor, devuelva el artículo defectuoso a la tienda.

Please return the defective item to the store.

Espero que él me devuelva el libro mañana.

I hope he returns the book to me tomorrow.

Por favor, devuelva este producto en la caja central.

Please, return (formal 'you') this product at the main counter.

Dudo que la tienda me devuelva el dinero.

I doubt the store will give me my money back.

The 'Switch' Word

Notice the 'e' changes to 'ue'. This happens in many Spanish verbs when the stress falls on the stem. It's a common pattern to look out for!

Wishes and Orders

This specific form (devuelva) is used when you are telling someone formally to do something, or when you are expressing a wish that someone else does the action.

Returning People vs. Objects

Mistake: “Using 'volver' to return a library book.”

Correction: Use 'devolver' for objects. Use 'volver' only for people returning to a place.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is confusing the noun 'devolución' (the act of refunding/returning) with the verb 'devolver' (to refund/return). Remember that 'devolución' is the thing itself, while 'devuelva' is the action someone performs.

Related Translations

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