Inklingo

How to Say "transfer" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “transfer” is “conexión” — use this word when you need to change from one mode of transport to another during a journey, like a layover.

English → Spanish

conexión

nounB1general
Use this word when you need to change from one mode of transport to another during a journey, like a layover.

Examples

Nuestro vuelo tiene una conexión de dos horas en Madrid.

Our flight has a two-hour connection in Madrid (a layover/transfer).

correspondencia

koh-rrehs-pohn-DEHN-syahkoresponˈdensja

nounB1general
This applies when changing from one public transport line to another within the same system, like switching metro lines.
A red bus and a blue train parked next to each other at a bright station platform.

Examples

Esta estación tiene correspondencia con la línea 2 del metro.

This station has a connection with metro line 2.

Para ir al aeropuerto, debes hacer correspondencia en Nuevos Ministerios.

To go to the airport, you must transfer at Nuevos Ministerios.

Sigue los carteles amarillos para encontrar la correspondencia.

Follow the yellow signs to find the transfer.

Station Signs

In the Madrid Metro, you will see 'Correspondencia' on signs. It simply means you can change to another line there.

traslado

trah-SLAH-dohtɾasˈlaðo

nounA2general
Use this when referring to moving to a new job, position, or office location.
A stack of cardboard boxes and a small plant sitting on a wooden floor in a new room.

Examples

El traslado a la nueva oficina será este viernes.

The move to the new office will be this Friday.

Mi primo pidió un traslado a la sucursal de Madrid.

My cousin asked for a transfer to the Madrid branch.

La empresa pagará todos los gastos de traslado.

The company will pay for all the relocation expenses.

Noun vs. Verb

Even though it looks like the 'I' form of the verb 'trasladar' (I move), it is almost always used as a masculine noun meaning 'the move' or 'the transfer'.

Traslado vs. Mudanza

Mistake: “Using 'traslado' when you specifically mean moving all your furniture and belongings to a new home.”

Correction: Use 'mudanza' for moving house, and 'traslado' for the more general act of moving something, someone, or a work position.

transacción

nounB1finance
This is the correct term for moving money between bank accounts or any financial exchange.

Examples

La transacción bancaria se completó con éxito.

The bank transaction was completed successfully.

transferencia

trans-feh-REN-see-ahtɾansfeˈɾensja

nounB2general
Use this for the movement of data, ownership, or a general move from one place or state to another.
A storybook illustration showing a bright red box floating or being carried across a short gap from a green platform onto a blue platform, illustrating the concept of physical transfer.

Examples

La transferencia de datos al nuevo servidor fue exitosa.

The data transfer to the new server was successful.

Solicitó la transferencia a otra sucursal de la empresa.

She requested the transfer to another branch of the company.

La transferencia de propiedad del coche requiere mucho papeleo.

The transfer of car ownership requires a lot of paperwork.

Prepositions with Movement

When talking about physical movement, you usually use the preposition 'a' (to) or 'de' (from): 'transferencia de personal a otra ciudad' (transfer of personnel to another city).

transmisión

nounC1technical
This is a more technical or general term for the act of passing something from one point or entity to another.

Examples

La transmisión de calor se realiza por conducción.

The transmission of heat occurs by conduction.

Transfer vs. Connection vs. Transaction

Learners often confuse 'transfer' in the sense of moving money with 'transferencia'. Remember that 'transacción' is specifically for financial exchanges, while 'transferencia' can cover broader movements like data or ownership. Also, don't use 'transferencia' for travel layovers; 'conexión' is the correct term there.

Related Translations

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