Inklingo

How to Say "to accumulate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ahorrar

ah-oh-RRAHR (roll the 'rr')/a.oˈraɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'ahorrar' when you are accumulating something, especially money or time, with the intention of saving it for a future purpose.
A close-up illustration of a shiny gold coin being dropped into the slot of a red ceramic piggy bank.

Examples

Quiero ahorrar suficiente dinero para viajar a España el próximo año.

I want to save enough money to travel to Spain next year.

¿Cuánto dinero ahorras al mes?

How much money do you save per month?

Mi abuela siempre ahorraba monedas en una caja de galletas.

My grandmother always saved coins in a cookie jar.

Direct Use

Ahorrar is used directly with what you are saving, usually money or a specific quantity: 'Ahorro diez dólares' (I save ten dollars).

Ahorrar vs. Salvar

Mistake: “Using 'salvar' for money (e.g., 'Salvé mucho dinero').”

Correction: 'Salvar' means to rescue or save a life. Use 'ahorrar' only for money, time, effort, or resources.

juntar

/hoon-TAR//xunˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'juntar' when you are gathering or collecting a supply of something, often implying a more physical act of bringing things together.
A glass jar being filled with gold coins.

Examples

Estoy juntando dinero para comprar un coche nuevo.

I am saving up money to buy a new car.

Ella junta estampillas desde que era niña.

She has been collecting stamps since she was a child.

Juntar vs. Ahorrar

'Ahorrar' is specifically about not spending money. 'Juntar' emphasizes the act of building up a pile or amount for a specific purpose.

Saving vs. Gathering

Learners often confuse 'ahorrar' and 'juntar' when talking about money. Remember, 'ahorrar' focuses on the act of saving for a specific goal, while 'juntar' emphasizes the process of collecting or building up a quantity.

Related Translations

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