Inklingo

How to Say "wire transfer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

transferencia

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

nounB1general
Use 'transferencia' for general electronic payments or when moving funds between your own accounts.
A vibrant illustration showing a stream of colorful coins flying from one stylized piggy bank to another, symbolizing a bank transfer.

Examples

Hice una transferencia de 100 euros a mi cuenta de ahorros.

I made a transfer of 100 euros to my savings account.

¿Cuánto tarda en procesarse una transferencia internacional?

How long does it take for an international transfer to process?

Feminine Noun Rule

'Transferencia' is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it, and make sure any adjectives describing it are also feminine (e.g., 'una transferencia rápida').

Using the Verb Incorrectly

Mistake: “Yo transferencia dinero.”

Correction: Yo *hago* una transferencia de dinero (I make a transfer). Remember 'transferencia' is the thing, not the action itself.

giro

/HEE-roh//ˈxi.ɾo/

nounB1formal
Use 'giro' when referring to a formal money order, especially for international transfers or sending money to someone else.
Two cartoon hands exchanging a rectangular white paper document above a small pile of gold coins, symbolizing a transfer of value.

Examples

Necesito hacer un giro de 500 dólares a México.

I need to make a transfer (or money order) of 500 dollars to Mexico.

El banco me cobró una comisión por el giro.

The bank charged me a fee for the transfer.

Choosing between 'giro' and 'transferencia'

Learners often use 'giro' for all electronic payments. Remember that 'transferencia' is the more common and general term for moving money electronically, especially between accounts. Reserve 'giro' for more specific contexts like formal money orders or international remittances.

Related Translations

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