Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
LIEN in Spanish: GRAVAMEN
Gravamen · noun · grah-BAH-men
A gravamen is a legal encumbrance or lien placed on property to secure a debt. This term is essential for anyone dealing with real estate, banking, or legal matters in Spanish-speaking countries. Related concepts include embargo (seizure/attachment) and hipoteca (mortgage), all part of the vocabulary needed to navigate property transactions in Spanish.
grah-BAH-men
El banco puso un gravamen sobre la propiedad por la deuda impaga.
The bank placed a lien on the property for the unpaid debt.
lien in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for lien, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| gravamen | lien | grah-BAH-men | Default, widely understood |
| embargo preventivo | lien | preventive lien | |
| derecho de retención | lien | right of retention |
How Native Speakers Use Gravamen
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Real Estate
Antes de comprar, verifica que la propiedad no tenga gravámenes.
Before buying, verify that the property has no liens.
Standard due diligence advice in real estate transactions.
Tax Lien
Hacienda impuso un gravamen fiscal sobre sus bienes.
The tax authority imposed a tax lien on his assets.
Government placing a lien for unpaid taxes.
Lien Release
Una vez pagada la deuda, se levantó el gravamen.
Once the debt was paid, the lien was released.
Describing the removal of a lien after debt satisfaction.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Gravamen
Confusing with Embargo
Incorrect: Pusieron un embargo en mi casa (for a voluntary lien).
Correct: Pusieron un gravamen en mi casa.
Embargo typically refers to a court-ordered seizure or attachment. Gravamen is broader and includes voluntary liens like mortgages as well as involuntary ones.
Plural Formation
Incorrect: Los gravamenes del inmueble.
Correct: Los gravámenes del inmueble.
The plural of gravamen is gravámenes, with a written accent added to maintain the stress on the same syllable.
Lock in lien Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
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See Gravamen used by native speakers
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Common Questions About lien in Spanish
- What is the difference between gravamen and hipoteca?
- A hipoteca (mortgage) is a specific type of gravamen placed on real estate as security for a loan. Gravamen is the broader category that includes any legal claim, encumbrance, or charge on property—tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and mortgages all fall under gravamen.
- How do I check for liens on a property in Spanish-speaking countries?
- You request a certificado de libertad de gravamen (lien-free certificate) or a certificado de no adeudo from the local property registry (Registro Público de la Propiedad). This document confirms whether any liens exist on the property.
- How do I say to place a lien in Spanish?
- Common legal expressions include poner un gravamen, imponer un gravamen, or constituir un gravamen. To remove or release a lien, you say levantar el gravamen or cancelar el gravamen.