Inklingo

How to Say "treasury" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hacienda

/ah-syen-dah//aˈθjenda/

nounB2formal
Use 'hacienda' when referring to the government's department responsible for public finances and taxes, similar to the 'Treasury Department' in the US.
A formal government building with tall pillars and a flag, representing a public institution.

Examples

El Ministerio de Hacienda anunció nuevas medidas fiscales.

The Ministry of Finance announced new tax measures.

Tengo que hacer la declaración de la renta para Hacienda.

I have to do my tax return for the Tax Agency.

El Ministerio de Hacienda anunció nuevos presupuestos.

The Ministry of Finance announced new budgets.

Capitalization

When you are talking about the specific government department, it is usually capitalized as 'Hacienda'.

Not just 'taxes'

Mistake: “Using 'hacienda' to mean the money you pay (taxes).”

Correction: Use 'impuestos' for the money itself. 'Hacienda' is the office you pay them to.

tesoro

teh-SOH-roh/teˈsoro/

nounA2
Use 'tesoro' when referring to a collection of valuable items, like pirate treasure, a family heirloom, or simply something highly cherished.
An open, wooden treasure chest overflowing with shiny gold coins, necklaces, and colorful gems, sitting on a sandy beach.

Examples

El museo exhibe un tesoro de artefactos antiguos.

The museum exhibits a treasure trove of ancient artifacts.

Los piratas escondieron el tesoro en una isla remota.

The pirates hid the treasure on a remote island.

Este manuscrito es un tesoro histórico incalculable.

This manuscript is an incalculable historical treasure.

Always Masculine

Even though 'treasure' can be abstract, 'tesoro' is always a masculine noun and uses 'el' or 'un'.

Hacienda vs. Tesoro

The most common mistake is using 'tesoro' for government finances. Remember that 'hacienda' specifically refers to the public treasury or tax authority, while 'tesoro' is for literal treasure or things of great value.

Related Translations

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