How to Say "to transfer" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to transfer” is “transferir” — use this word when moving money between accounts or sending files from one place to another digitally.
transferir
trahns-feh-REERtɾansfeˈɾiɾ
Examples
Necesito transferir cien euros a tu cuenta.
I need to transfer one hundred euros to your account.
El banco no me permite transferir dinero hoy.
The bank won't let me transfer money today.
¿Puedes transferir los fondos antes del viernes?
Can you transfer the funds before Friday?
Estoy transfiriendo los archivos a la nube.
I am transferring the files to the cloud.
The Stem-Changing Pattern
In many forms, the middle 'e' changes to 'ie' (transfiero). However, in the past tense and the special 'wishes' form (subjunctive), it can change to a single 'i' (transfirió).
Using 'a' for destinations
When moving something to a person or a specific place like a bank account, always use 'a' before the recipient.
Using 'en' vs 'a'
Use 'a' when you are moving data toward a destination (transferir a la nube) and 'entre' when moving between two devices.
The Spelling Trap
Mistake: “Yo transfero dinero.”
Correction: Yo transfiero dinero. Remember that the 'e' needs to split into 'ie' when you are talking about the present.
Confusing with 'descargar'
Mistake: “Voy a transferir una película de internet.”
Correction: Voy a descargar una película. Use 'transferir' for moving files you already own between folders or devices, rather than downloading from the web.
girar
hee-RAHRxiˈɾaɾ
Examples
La empresa debe girar un cheque al proveedor mañana.
The company must issue a check to the supplier tomorrow.
¿Puedes girarme 50 euros por Western Union?
Can you transfer 50 euros to me via Western Union?
Specific Noun Requirement
In this context, 'girar' almost always needs a financial object right after it, such as 'un cheque' (a check) or 'un giro' (a money order/transfer).
trasladar
trah-slah-DARtɾaslaˈðar
Examples
La empresa va a trasladar su oficina al centro.
The company is going to move its office downtown.
Trasladaron al paciente a un hospital más grande.
They transferred the patient to a larger hospital.
Es difícil trasladar todos estos muebles en un solo coche.
It is difficult to move all this furniture in just one car.
When to use 'a' with trasladar
When you are moving a person, you must put the word 'a' before them: 'Trasladaron a María' (They moved Maria).
Trasladar vs. Mover
Use 'trasladar' for significant moves, like changing cities, jobs, or official locations. Use 'mover' for small physical actions, like moving your arm or a chair.
Moving house
Mistake: “Yo traslado a una casa nueva.”
Correction: Me traslado a una casa nueva.
traspasar
trahs-pah-SAHRtɾaspaˈsaɾ
Examples
Decidió traspasar su restaurante para jubilarse.
He decided to transfer his restaurant in order to retire.
El dueño va a traspasar el local a un nuevo inquilino.
The owner is going to transfer the lease of the premises to a new tenant.
The Noun Form
In business, you will often see signs saying 'Se traspasa'. This is using the word to mean 'Business for sale/transfer'.
Vender vs. Traspasar
transmitir
trahns-mee-teertɾansmiˈtiɾ
Examples
Ciertas enfermedades se transmiten por el aire.
Certain diseases are passed on through the air.
Queremos transmitir nuestros valores a nuestros hijos.
We want to pass on our values to our children.
El virus se transmite mediante el contacto físico.
The virus is transmitted through physical contact.
Reflexive Use
When talking about how a disease spreads in general, we often use the 'se' form: 'Se transmite...' (It is transmitted...).
Pass on vs Pass away
Mistake: “Using 'transmitir' for a person dying.”
Correction: This word only means passing on *something* (like a trait), not the person themselves passing away. Use 'fallecer' for dying.
Transferring Money vs. Transferring Files
Related Translations
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