Inklingo

How to Say "transfer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conexión

nounB1
Use this word specifically when referring to changing 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).

transferencia

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

nounB2
This is the best translation for moving ownership, money, or digital information from one entity or location 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).

traslado

/trah-SLAH-doh//tɾasˈlaðo/

nounA2
Use this word when someone is moved to a new job, position, or location, often within the same company or organization.
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.

transmisión

nounC1
This is a more general term for the movement or passage of something, like energy, from one point to another.

Examples

La transmisión de calor se realiza por conducción.

The transmission of heat occurs by conduction.

Conexión vs. Transferencia

The most common confusion is between 'conexión' and 'transferencia'. Remember that 'conexión' is almost exclusively used for travel layovers, while 'transferencia' is for moving money, data, or ownership. Don't use 'conexión' for moving money!

Related Translations

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