Inklingo

How to Say "ticket" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ticket” is “boleto” — use 'boleto' for general tickets for events, travel (like bus or train), or lottery drawings..

boleto🔊A1

Use 'boleto' for general tickets for events, travel (like bus or train), or lottery drawings.

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billete🔊A2

Use 'billete' primarily for travel tickets, specifically for buses, trains, or airplanes.

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entrada🔊A2

Use 'entrada' specifically for admission tickets to events like movies, concerts, or theater performances.

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pasaje🔊A2

Use 'pasaje' for travel tickets, especially for longer journeys on buses, planes, or trains, often implying a journey segment.

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pase🔊A2

Use 'pase' for access passes, such as a boarding pass for a plane or a pass to enter a specific area or event.

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multa🔊A2

Use 'multa' exclusively for a penalty ticket, such as a traffic or parking violation fine.

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factura🔊A1

While sometimes used colloquially for a receipt, 'factura' officially refers to an invoice, typically for services or goods, often for tax purposes.

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English → Spanish

boleto

/boh-LEH-toh//boˈle.to/

nounA1general
Use 'boleto' for general tickets for events, travel (like bus or train), or lottery drawings.
A colorful illustration depicting a single, simple rectangular paper ticket stub, distinctively showing a perforated edge.

Examples

¿Tienes tu boleto para el concierto?

Do you have your ticket for the concert?

Compré un boleto de ida y vuelta para ir a la playa.

I bought a round-trip ticket to go to the beach.

El boleto ganador fue el número 457.

The winning lottery ticket was number 457.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'boleto' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it: 'El boleto es caro' (The ticket is expensive).

Mixing up 'boleto' and 'billete'

Mistake: “Using 'boleto' when talking about paper money in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'billete' for paper money (banknote). Use 'boleto' primarily for tickets in Mexico and Central America, and sometimes for transport tickets in Spain, though 'billete' is also very common there.

billete

bee-YEH-teh/biˈʎe.te/

nounA2general
Use 'billete' primarily for travel tickets, specifically for buses, trains, or airplanes.
A small, rectangular white travel ticket with a simple colored stripe and a perforated edge, suggesting a transit pass.

Examples

Necesito comprar un billete de tren a Madrid.

I need to buy a train ticket to Madrid.

Perdimos el avión porque no encontramos nuestros billetes.

We missed the plane because we couldn't find our tickets.

Compré un billete de lotería con la esperanza de ganar.

I bought a lottery ticket hoping to win.

Travel vs. Events

Use 'billete' mostly for major transport (planes, trains). For concerts or movies, you usually say 'entrada' or 'boleto' (especially in Latin America).

Using 'billete' for a movie ticket

Mistake: “Compré dos billetes para la película.”

Correction: Compré dos entradas/boletos para la película. ('Billete' sounds too formal for a quick event ticket.)

entrada

en-TRAH-dah/enˈtɾaða/

nounA2general
Use 'entrada' specifically for admission tickets to events like movies, concerts, or theater performances.
A single, bright red rectangular event ticket with a perforated edge, held by a person's thumb and forefinger.

Examples

¿Tienes ya tus entradas para el cine?

Do you already have your tickets for the movies?

La entrada al parque cuesta diez euros.

Admission to the park costs ten euros.

pasaje

pah-SAH-heh/paˈsa.xe/

nounA2general
Use 'pasaje' for travel tickets, especially for longer journeys on buses, planes, or trains, often implying a journey segment.
A colorful paper ticket stub, slightly torn, signifying a purchased fare for travel.

Examples

Necesito comprar un pasaje de ida y vuelta a la costa.

I need to buy a round-trip ticket to the coast.

El pasaje de metro es más caro ahora.

The subway fare is more expensive now.

Using 'Pasaje' for Events

Mistake: “Compré un pasaje para el concierto.”

Correction: Compré una entrada/un boleto para el concierto. ('Pasaje' is reserved for transport.)

pase

/PAH-seh//ˈpa.se/

nounA2general
Use 'pase' for access passes, such as a boarding pass for a plane or a pass to enter a specific area or event.
A colorful rectangular access pass or ticket granting entry to an event or location.

Examples

Necesito mi pase de abordar para subir al avión.

I need my boarding pass to get on the plane.

Compramos un pase de tres días para el parque de diversiones.

We bought a three-day pass for the amusement park.

El jugador de fútbol dio un pase perfecto a su compañero.

The soccer player made a perfect pass to his teammate.

Confusing `pase` with `paseo`

Mistake: “Quiero comprar un paseo para el concierto.”

Correction: Quiero comprar un pase para el concierto. 'Pase' is the ticket or permit itself. 'Paseo' is the activity of going for a walk or a stroll.

multa

MULL-tah/ˈmulta/

nounA2general
Use 'multa' exclusively for a penalty ticket, such as a traffic or parking violation fine.
A small pile of currency (bills and coins) sitting on a surface, with a large, prominent red official seal pressed directly onto the top bill, symbolizing a financial penalty.

Examples

Recibí una multa por aparcar en zona prohibida.

I received a fine for parking in a prohibited area.

La multa por exceso de velocidad fue de 200 euros.

The fine for speeding was 200 euros.

Si devuelves el libro tarde, tendrás que pagar una multa a la biblioteca.

If you return the book late, you will have to pay a fine to the library.

Gender is Feminine

Remember that 'multa' is always feminine, so you must use 'la multa' or 'una multa' when referring to it.

Using 'Dar' instead of 'Poner'

Mistake: “Me dieron una multa.”

Correction: Me pusieron una multa. (In Spanish, authorities 'put' or 'place' a fine on you, using the verb 'poner', not 'dar' (to give)).

factura

fak-TOO-ra/fakˈtu.ɾa/

nounA1formal
While sometimes used colloquially for a receipt, 'factura' officially refers to an invoice, typically for services or goods, often for tax purposes.
A stylized white paper document, folded neatly, lying next to a small stack of shiny gold coins, symbolizing payment due.

Examples

¿Podría enviarme la factura por correo electrónico?

Could you send me the invoice by email?

Tenemos que pagar la factura de la luz antes del viernes.

We have to pay the electricity bill before Friday.

El restaurante olvidó incluir la propina en la factura.

The restaurant forgot to include the tip on the bill.

Always Feminine

Since 'factura' ends in '-a' and refers to a thing, it is always feminine. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Invoice vs. Receipt

Mistake: “Using 'factura' when you mean 'receipt' after paying.”

Correction: 'Factura' is the request for payment. 'Recibo' is the document proving you already paid.

Travel vs. Event Tickets

The most common confusion is between 'billete', 'boleto', and 'entrada'. Remember that 'billete' and 'pasaje' are almost exclusively for travel, while 'entrada' is for events. 'Boleto' is a more versatile option that can cover both, but often leans towards events or general purposes.

Related Translations

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