Inklingo

How to Say "transaction" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “transaction” is “movimiento” — use 'movimiento' to refer to any financial activity or entry recorded on a bank statement or credit card account..

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movimiento

moh-vee-mee-EHN-toh/mo.βiˈmjen.to/

nounB2financial
Use 'movimiento' to refer to any financial activity or entry recorded on a bank statement or credit card account.
Two cartoon hands positioned across from each other, exchanging a small stack of simplified green paper currency, representing a financial transaction.

Examples

Verifica los últimos movimientos de tu tarjeta de crédito.

Check the latest transactions on your credit card.

El banco me envió el informe de todos los movimientos de enero.

The bank sent me the report of all January activity/entries.

Use in Plural

When referring to a list or history of financial activity, 'movimiento' is almost always used in the plural: 'los movimientos'.

operación

nounB1finance, trade
Choose 'operación' when discussing a specific, often larger, financial or commercial action, like a purchase or sale involving significant sums or strategic intent.

Examples

La operación de compra de acciones fue muy rentable.

The stock purchase transaction was very profitable.

transferencia

/trans-feh-REN-see-ah//tɾansfeˈɾensja/

nounB1general payment
Use 'transferencia' specifically for the act of moving money from one account to another, whether within your own accounts or to someone else's.
A vibrant illustration showing a stream of colorful coins flying from one stylized piggy bank to another, symbolizing a bank transfer.

Examples

Hice una transferencia de 100 euros a mi cuenta de ahorros.

I made a transfer of 100 euros to my savings account.

¿Cuánto tarda en procesarse una transferencia internacional?

How long does it take for an international transfer to process?

Feminine Noun Rule

'Transferencia' is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it, and make sure any adjectives describing it are also feminine (e.g., 'una transferencia rápida').

Using the Verb Incorrectly

Mistake: “Yo transferencia dinero.”

Correction: Yo *hago* una transferencia de dinero (I make a transfer). Remember 'transferencia' is the thing, not the action itself.

negocio

/neh-GO-syo//neˈɣo.sjo/

nounB1an instance of buying or selling
Employ 'negocio' when referring to a transaction as a deal or agreement, especially one involving buying or selling that is considered favorable or unfavorable.
Two business figures shaking hands firmly across a simple table, symbolizing the closing of a deal or transaction.

Examples

Hicimos un buen negocio al comprar esta casa.

We made a good deal buying this house.

El negocio se cerró con un apretón de manos.

The deal was closed with a handshake.

Vender el coche por ese precio fue un mal negocio.

Selling the car for that price was a bad deal.

Movimiento vs. Operación

Learners often confuse 'movimiento' and 'operación'. Remember, 'movimiento' is for general account entries (like a credit card statement), while 'operación' implies a more significant, distinct financial or business action.

Related Translations

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