Inklingo

How to Say "withdrawal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

retiro

reh-TEE-roh/reˈtiɾo/

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to taking money out of a bank account, whether at a teller or an ATM.
A close-up illustration of a hand pulling several folded green banknotes out of a gray machine slot.

Examples

Necesito hacer un retiro de cien dólares del cajero.

I need to make a withdrawal of one hundred dollars from the ATM.

El banco cobra una comisión por cada retiro internacional.

The bank charges a fee for every international withdrawal.

Using the Verb Correctly

Mistake: “Hacer la retiro (Incorrect gender)”

Correction: Hacer el retiro (Use the masculine article 'el'.)

retirada

/reh-tee-RAH-dah//re.tiˈɾa.ða/

nounB1general
This is the most general term for pulling back or retreating, often used for military movements or a general withdrawal from a situation.
Three simple, stylized soldiers marching in a straight line away from the viewer across a plain landscape, illustrating a military retreat or organized withdrawal.

Examples

Tras el ataque, la retirada del ejército enemigo fue rápida.

After the attack, the enemy army's retreat was swift.

La tormenta forzó la retirada de los barcos al puerto.

The storm forced the withdrawal of the ships to port.

Always Feminine

Even though it comes from the verb 'retirar,' 'retirada' is a noun and must always use feminine articles: 'la retirada' or 'una retirada'.

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Usar 'un retirada' (using the masculine article).”

Correction: Use 'una retirada.' Remember that the word ends in '-a' and is feminine.

saque

SAH-keh/ˈsa.ke/

nounB1formal
Use this term specifically for the act of withdrawing money or goods, especially when there are limits or regulations involved.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a hand pulling a stack of green currency bills out of a small, stylized bank withdrawal slot.

Examples

El banco limitó el saque de efectivo diario.

The bank limited the daily cash withdrawal.

Tenemos que revisar el saque de mercancía del almacén.

We have to review the extraction (or removal) of merchandise from the warehouse.

Formal Contexts

In banking and business, 'saque' is often used in official documentation, even if people use 'retiro' in daily conversation.

baja

/BA-ha//ˈbaxa/

nounB2formal
This word is used when someone officially withdraws or takes leave from a job, competition, or course, often for a specific reason like illness or maternity.
A relaxed person lying comfortably in bed with a blanket and a steaming mug, indicating they are on sick leave.

Examples

Mi colega está de baja por maternidad.

My colleague is on maternity leave.

El médico me dio la baja por una semana.

The doctor gave me sick leave for a week.

El ejército reportó cinco bajas en el combate.

The army reported five casualties in the combat.

Confusing 'retiro' and 'saque'

Learners often confuse 'retiro' and 'saque' when talking about money. While both relate to taking money out, 'retiro' is the general act of withdrawal from an account, whereas 'saque' often implies a more specific, sometimes restricted, withdrawal of cash or goods.

Related Translations

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