Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Resources in Spanish: Recursos
Recursos · noun (masculine plural) · reh-KOOR-sohs
The Spanish word for resources is 'recursos,' a direct cognate used in business, education, natural science, and everyday contexts. From 'recursos humanos' (human resources) to 'recursos naturales' (natural resources), this versatile term covers the same breadth of meaning as its English counterpart.
Pronounce 'recursos' as reh-KOOR-sohs, with stress on the second syllable. The singular form 'recurso' is reh-KOOR-soh.
La empresa necesita más recursos para completar el proyecto.
The company needs more resources to complete the project.
Resources in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for resources, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| recursos | resources | reh-KOOR-sohs | Default, widely understood |
| medios | resources | referring to means or resources available | |
| bienes | resources | material goods or assets |
How Native Speakers Use Recursos
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Business context
El departamento de recursos humanos publicó la vacante.
The human resources department posted the job opening.
Discussing workplace operations.
Environmental discussion
Debemos conservar los recursos naturales del planeta.
We must conserve the planet's natural resources.
Talking about environmental sustainability.
Educational setting
La biblioteca ofrece recursos gratuitos para estudiantes.
The library offers free resources for students.
Describing available academic support.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Recursos
Using 'fuentes' when 'recursos' is needed
Incorrect: La escuela no tiene suficientes fuentes para los alumnos.
Correct: La escuela no tiene suficientes recursos para los alumnos.
'Fuentes' means sources (of information), while 'recursos' means resources (materials, funds, tools). They serve different purposes.
Dropping the plural
Incorrect: Necesitamos más recurso para la investigación.
Correct: Necesitamos más recursos para la investigación.
'Recursos' is almost always used in the plural when referring to available materials, funds, or capabilities.
Lock in Resources Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Recursos used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Resources in Spanish
- How do you say 'human resources' in Spanish?
- Human resources is 'recursos humanos,' often abbreviated as 'RR. HH.' in business correspondence, following the Spanish convention of doubling abbreviations for plural nouns.
- Can 'recurso' be used in a legal context?
- In legal Spanish, 'recurso' means an appeal or legal remedy, as in 'interponer un recurso de apelación' (to file an appeal), which is a completely different usage from the everyday meaning.
- What is the difference between 'recursos' and 'medios'?
- While both can translate as resources or means, 'recursos' implies available assets and capabilities, whereas 'medios' often refers to the ways or methods to achieve something, as well as media (medios de comunicación).