Inklingo

How to Say "shipment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “shipment” is “envío” — use this word when referring to the act of sending something, the cost of sending it, or the package itself as it is being sent..

envíoA2

Use this word when referring to the act of sending something, the cost of sending it, or the package itself as it is being sent.

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entrega🔊A2

This word specifically refers to the act or process of delivering goods to their final destination.

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pedido🔊A2

Use this term when referring to the specific items or order that has been placed and is being delivered.

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cargamento🔊B1

This term refers to the entire batch or load of goods being transported, especially in large quantities.

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cargo🔊A2

Similar to 'cargamento', this refers to the load of goods being transported, often used for goods on a ship or vehicle.

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despacho🔊B1

This word is used for the act of dispatching or sending out goods, often implying formal procedures like customs.

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English → Spanish

envío

nounA2
Use this word when referring to the act of sending something, the cost of sending it, or the package itself as it is being sent.

Examples

¿Cuánto cuesta el envío a mi país?

How much does the shipment/delivery cost to my country?

entrega

en-TREH-gah/enˈtɾe.ɣa/

nounA2
This word specifically refers to the act or process of delivering goods to their final destination.
A smiling person receiving a large brown cardboard package from a delivery worker at a doorstep.

Examples

La entrega de mi paquete está programada para mañana.

The delivery of my package is scheduled for tomorrow.

Necesito firmar la entrega de estos documentos importantes.

I need to sign for the handover of these important documents.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'entrega' is always a feminine noun, so you use 'la' or 'una' with it.

pedido

peh-DEE-doh/peˈðiðo/

nounA2
Use this term when referring to the specific items or order that has been placed and is being delivered.
A happy waiter standing beside a table, holding a small notepad, ready to take a customer's food order in a brightly lit restaurant.

Examples

Mi pedido de zapatos llega mañana por la tarde.

My shoe order arrives tomorrow afternoon.

¿Está listo el pedido para que lo recoja?

Is the order ready for me to pick up?

Tenemos muchos pedidos pendientes esta semana.

We have many pending orders this week.

Always Masculine

Even though 'order' in English sometimes feels like a general concept, in Spanish, 'pedido' is always treated as masculine (el pedido).

cargamento

kar-gah-MEN-toh/kaɾɣaˈmento/

nounB1
This term refers to the entire batch or load of goods being transported, especially in large quantities.
A wooden crate sitting on a shipping dock with a large cargo ship in the background.

Examples

El barco llegó al puerto con un cargamento de café.

The ship arrived at the port with a cargo of coffee.

Estamos esperando un gran cargamento de suministros médicos.

We are waiting for a large shipment of medical supplies.

La policía interceptó un cargamento ilegal en la frontera.

The police intercepted an illegal shipment at the border.

Always Masculine

Cargamento ends in '-o', so it is almost always masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Result Noun

The suffix '-mento' is added to verbs (like 'cargar') to name the result of that action.

Cargamento vs. Cargo

Mistake: “Using 'cargamento' to mean a job position.”

Correction: Use 'cargo' for a job title or fee, and 'cargamento' for physical goods being moved.

cargo

/KAR-go//ˈkaɾɣo/

nounA2
Similar to 'cargamento', this refers to the load of goods being transported, often used for goods on a ship or vehicle.
A massive, brightly colored container ship sailing on the ocean, loaded high with stacked shipping containers representing commercial goods.

Examples

El barco llegó al puerto con un cargo de plátanos.

The ship arrived at the port with a cargo of bananas.

El cargo aéreo es más rápido pero más caro.

Air freight is faster but more expensive.

Using 'cargo' for any load

Mistake: “Puse el cargo de ropa en la lavadora.”

Correction: Puse la carga de ropa en la lavadora. Use 'carga' for a general 'load' (like laundry or groceries). 'Cargo' is usually for commercial goods being transported.

despacho

des-PAH-choh/desˈpatʃo/

nounB1formal
This word is used for the act of dispatching or sending out goods, often implying formal procedures like customs.
An elegant, classical building facade featuring large columns, symbolizing a professional firm or business practice.

Examples

El despacho de la mercancía se retrasó por la aduana.

The dispatch (shipment) of the merchandise was delayed by customs.

Contratamos un despacho de arquitectura muy prestigioso.

We hired a very prestigious architecture firm.

Action Noun

In this sense, 'despacho' means the action of 'despachar' (to send or attend to), turning a verb action into a masculine noun.

Sending vs. Receiving Acts

Learners often confuse 'envío' and 'entrega'. Remember that 'envío' refers more to the act of sending or the item being sent, while 'entrega' focuses on the final act of delivery to the recipient.

Related Translations

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