How to Say "reward" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “reward” is “premio” — use 'premio' when referring to something given as recognition for effort, merit, or achievement, like a prize or bonus.
premio
PREH-mee-ohˈpɾe.mjo
Examples
Recibió un premio por su excelente desempeño.
He received a reward for his excellent performance.
Su dedicación al proyecto tuvo su premio: un aumento de sueldo.
His dedication to the project had its reward: a salary raise.
El verdadero premio fue ver la felicidad de sus padres.
The real reward was seeing his parents' happiness.
recompensa
reh-kohm-PEHN-sahre.komˈpen.sa
Examples
La recompensa por completar la tarea fue un día libre adicional.
The reward for completing the task was an extra day off.
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.
fruto
froo-tohˈfɾuto
Examples
La paz es el fruto de la negociación.
Peace is the reward/fruit of negotiation.
Este éxito es el fruto de muchos años de esfuerzo.
This success is the result of many years of effort.
Por fin estamos viendo los frutos de nuestro trabajo.
We are finally seeing the rewards of our work.
Sus ideas no dieron fruto y el proyecto falló.
His ideas didn't bear fruit and the project failed.
Abstract usage
When used for results, it can be singular (the general concept) or plural (specific successes).
Verbs that go with it
We often use 'dar' (to give) or 'recoger' (to collect/reap) with this meaning of the word.
Using 'resultado' for everything
Mistake: “El resultado de mi trabajo es bueno.”
Correction: El fruto de mi trabajo es bueno. (While 'resultado' is okay, 'fruto' sounds more natural and poetic when talking about rewards for hard work.)
precio
PREH-syohˈpɾe.θjo
Examples
El precio de la independencia es alto.
The reward/price of independence is high.
La libertad tiene un precio muy alto.
Freedom has a very high cost/price.
Llegar a la cima de la montaña requirió un gran precio de esfuerzo físico.
Reaching the mountaintop required a great cost in physical effort.
Está dispuesto a pagar cualquier precio por la paz.
He is willing to pay any price for peace.
Abstract Use
When used figuratively, 'precio' often describes the consequence or sacrifice required to achieve something, much like the English phrase 'the cost of success'.
Premio vs. Recompensa vs. Fruto
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.