Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Debt in Spanish: Deuda
Deuda · noun (feminine) · DEH-oo-dah
The Spanish word for debt is 'deuda,' a feminine noun used for financial obligations. It appears in everyday conversations about money and in formal financial contexts alike. The phrase 'estar en deuda' can also mean to be indebted to someone in a figurative sense, expressing gratitude or obligation.
Pronounce it DEH-oo-dah, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'eu' combination creates a smooth two-vowel glide.
Quiero pagar todas mis deudas antes de fin de año.
I want to pay off all my debts before the end of the year.
Debt in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for debt, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| deuda | debt | DEH-oo-dah | Default, widely understood |
| adeudo | debt | used in Mexico for formal financial obligations |
How Native Speakers Use Deuda
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Personal finance
Tengo una deuda con el banco por el préstamo del coche.
I have a debt with the bank for the car loan.
Discussing a personal financial obligation.
Paying off debt
Finalmente liquidé mi deuda de la tarjeta de crédito.
I finally paid off my credit card debt.
Celebrating financial freedom.
Figurative use
Estoy en deuda contigo por toda tu ayuda.
I'm indebted to you for all your help.
Expressing gratitude for a favor.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Deuda
Wrong gender
Incorrect: El deuda es grande.
Correct: La deuda es grande.
'Deuda' is a feminine noun and requires the article 'la' and feminine adjective forms.
Confusing deuda with deber
Incorrect: Tengo un deber de mil dólares.
Correct: Tengo una deuda de mil dólares.
'Deber' means duty or obligation in a moral sense (and as a verb means 'to owe'). For a financial obligation, use the noun 'deuda.'
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See Deuda used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Debt in Spanish
- How do you say 'to be in debt' in Spanish?
- The expression 'estar endeudado' or 'tener deudas' both convey the state of being in debt, with the former emphasizing the ongoing condition.
- What is the plural of deuda?
- The plural is 'deudas,' as in 'Tiene muchas deudas' (He/she has many debts), following the standard Spanish rule of adding '-s' to nouns ending in a vowel.
- Can deuda be used figuratively?
- The phrase 'estar en deuda con alguien' means to be grateful or indebted to someone in a non-financial way, acknowledging that you owe them for their kindness or help.