Inklingo

How to Say "wages" in Spanish

English → Spanish

paga

PAH-gah/ˈpaɣa/

nounA2general
Use 'paga' for regular, often periodic, earnings or allowance, especially when it's a set amount for a specific period or task.
A small neat stack of colorful paper money and several gold coins resting on a plain wooden table, representing earned salary or wages.

Examples

Mi paga mensual llega el día 25.

My monthly pay arrives on the 25th.

Les dieron una paga extra por el trabajo nocturno.

They gave them extra wages for the night work.

Gender Trap

Even though many financial terms are masculine, 'la paga' (pay/wages) is always feminine.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'el paga' to mean 'the pay'.”

Correction: The noun meaning 'pay' is always feminine: 'la paga'.

sueldo

SWEL-doh/ˈswel.do/

nounA1general
Use 'sueldo' to refer to a fixed salary, typically paid monthly or bi-weekly, as part of a formal employment agreement.
A drawing of a hand accepting a tidy stack of cash and coins, symbolizing a salary payment.

Examples

Mi sueldo es suficiente para pagar el alquiler.

My salary is enough to pay the rent.

¿Cuándo nos van a depositar el sueldo de este mes?

When are they going to deposit this month's pay?

La empresa anunció un aumento del 10% en todos los sueldos base.

The company announced a 10% increase in all base salaries.

Gender Rule

As a masculine noun, 'sueldo' always uses the masculine articles: 'el sueldo' (the salary) and 'un sueldo' (a salary).

Sueldo vs. Dinero

Mistake: “Using 'sueldo' when you mean money in general (dinero).”

Correction: Use 'sueldo' only for the money earned from a job. Use 'dinero' for cash or money generally. Example: 'Tengo dinero en mi cartera' (I have money in my wallet).

Paga vs. Sueldo

Learners often confuse 'paga' and 'sueldo' because both mean payment for work. Remember that 'sueldo' is more specifically a formal salary, while 'paga' can be more general, including allowances or smaller, regular payments.

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