How to Say "supplement" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “supplement” is “suplemento” — use 'suplemento' when referring to an extra charge or fee, like for excess baggage, or for dietary aids like vitamins..
suplemento
/soo-pleh-MEHN-toh//supleˈmento/
Examples
Hay un suplemento de diez euros por la maleta extra.
There is a ten-euro surcharge for the extra suitcase.
Me gusta leer el suplemento dominical del periódico.
I like reading the Sunday supplement of the newspaper.
Este libro tiene un suplemento con mapas detallados.
This book has a supplement with detailed maps.
Tomo un suplemento de vitamina C en invierno.
I take a vitamin C supplement in winter.
Always Masculine
Even though it refers to things that might seem feminine (like a 'dieta' or 'revista'), the word 'suplemento' always uses 'el' or 'un' because it ends in 'o'.
Using 'de' for detail
To specify what the extra is for, simply use 'de' right after the word, like 'suplemento de equipaje' (luggage supplement).
Noun and Adjective pairing
When describing what kind of supplement it is, the adjective usually follows the noun, such as 'suplemento dietético'.
Don't confuse with 'complemento'
Mistake: “Tengo un complemento de diez euros.”
Correction: Tengo un suplemento de diez euros.
suplemento
/soo-pleh-MEHN-toh//supleˈmento/
Examples
Tomo un suplemento de vitamina C en invierno.
I take a vitamin C supplement in winter.
Hay un suplemento de diez euros por la maleta extra.
There is a ten-euro surcharge for the extra suitcase.
Me gusta leer el suplemento dominical del periódico.
I like reading the Sunday supplement of the newspaper.
Este libro tiene un suplemento con mapas detallados.
This book has a supplement with detailed maps.
Always Masculine
Even though it refers to things that might seem feminine (like a 'dieta' or 'revista'), the word 'suplemento' always uses 'el' or 'un' because it ends in 'o'.
Using 'de' for detail
To specify what the extra is for, simply use 'de' right after the word, like 'suplemento de equipaje' (luggage supplement).
Noun and Adjective pairing
When describing what kind of supplement it is, the adjective usually follows the noun, such as 'suplemento dietético'.
Don't confuse with 'complemento'
Mistake: “Tengo un complemento de diez euros.”
Correction: Tengo un suplemento de diez euros.
complemento
/kom-ple-MEN-toh//kompleˈmento/
Examples
Llevo un collar rojo como complemento.
I'm wearing a red necklace as an accessory.
Este bolso es el complemento ideal para tu vestido.
This bag is the perfect accessory for your dress.
Recibió un complemento salarial este mes.
He received a salary supplement this month.
One word, many 'additions'
In English, we use different words for a 'necklace' (accessory), 'extra pay' (bonus), and a 'direct object' (grammar). In Spanish, 'complemento' covers all these 'extra pieces' that finish or complete something else.
Grammar without the jargon
In school, you'll hear 'complemento directo.' This simply refers to the thing or person that receives the action in a sentence, like 'the book' in 'I read the book.'
Don't just say 'Accesorio'
Mistake: “Only using 'accesorio' for fashion.”
Correction: Use 'complemento' frequently! While 'accesorio' is correct, Spanish speakers often prefer 'complemento' when talking about things that 'complete' an outfit.
apéndice
Examples
Puedes ver la lista completa en el apéndice del libro.
You can see the full list in the book's appendix.
Suplemento vs. Complemento
Related Translations
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