How to Say "upfront" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “upfront” is “contado” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
English → SpanishB1
AdjectiveB1
immediate payment
Examples
Si pagas al contado, te hacemos un descuento.
If you pay in cash, we'll give you a discount.
La venta fue hecha al contado.
The sale was made in cash (paid upfront).
Fixed Phrase
This meaning is almost always used as part of the prepositional phrase 'al contado' (to the counted), which functions like an adverb modifying the manner of payment.
Using 'contado' alone for cash
Mistake: “Quiero pagar contado.”
Correction: You must include the article and preposition: 'Quiero pagar al contado.'
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