How to Say "to compensate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to compensate” is “compensar” — use 'compensar' when the focus is on making up for something negative, like a lack, a deficit, or an unpleasant situation..
compensar
/kom-pen-SAR//kompenˈsaɾ/
Examples
Su amabilidad compensa su falta de experiencia.
His kindness makes up for his lack of experience.
La empresa compensó a los empleados por las horas extras.
The company compensated the employees for the overtime.
No me compensa trabajar tanto si no tengo tiempo libre.
It's not worth it to me to work so much if I don't have free time.
Using 'por' with Compensar
To say what you are making up for, use the word 'por'. For example: 'Compensar por el error' (To make up for the mistake).
Compensar as 'Worth it'
When used to say something is worth the trouble, it often takes an indirect object (me, te, le). 'No me compensa' means 'It doesn't provide enough benefit for me to justify the effort.'
Confusing with 'Vale la pena'
Mistake: “No compensa el viaje.”
Correction: No me compensa el viaje (or) El viaje no compensa el esfuerzo. Use 'vale la pena' for general 'it's worth it' and 'compensar' when you are comparing a specific cost vs. a specific benefit.
recompensar
/reh-kom-pehn-SAHR//rekompenˈsaɾ/
Examples
Sus ganas de aprender recompensan su falta de experiencia.
His desire to learn makes up for his lack of experience.
Nada puede recompensar el tiempo que pasé lejos de mi familia.
Nothing can compensate for the time I spent away from my family.
Abstract Subjects
In this sense, the subject (the thing doing the action) is often a quality or a situation, rather than a person. For example: 'Su talento recompensa sus errores' (His talent offsets his mistakes).
Compensar vs. Recompensar
Related Translations
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