Learning a new language has a number of benefits, and when you’re studying a language like Spanish, it can also help you boost your professional career. Here are seven workplace vocabulary words with online Spanish tutor Montserrat P….
Navigating the professional business world can be complicated. Not only are there several different types of clients and companies, but there is also a huge network which expands across the world and across different languages.
Learning Spanish can help you in your professional life, especially when it comes to international business. So as you continue to study Spanish, it’s important to learn some business-related vocabulary.
No matter which industry you’re pursuing, here are seven essential Spanish words for business professionals.
1. Cuenta (Account)
This refers to a bank account. Luckily, you can use the same term when you talk about anybody related to the account, such as the account holder or account manager.
Tip: Be careful not to confuse cuenta (account) with bill (which is also cuenta). You can avoid confusion by looking at the context in which the word is used.
Also, you can use cuenta for cuentas por pagar (accounts payable) and cuentas por cobrar (accounts receivable.) Once again, pay close attention to context to figure out which cuenta you are using.
2. Cierre (Business death or closing)
Using this term can be tricky. Not only is cierre the imperative form of the verb “to close,” but it also has different meanings in the business world.
Cierre can mean two things in a business context: it can mean that business is ending (due to a death), or it can refer to giving money or a loan to another person or organization (a business deal closing).
3. Arrendamineto (Lease)
As I’m sure you know, a lease is an agreement between two parties where one person (the lessor), rents something to the other person (the renter). Why is the term included in this list? Because, as with many Spanish words, it has a lot of synonyms.
Arrendamiento, renta, inquilinato, arriento, and seción all mean lease. In this particular case, it does not matter which one you choose, but you should be aware of all the different words so you will understand them if you hear or see them.
4. Opción (Option)
In everyday speech, an opción is a choice which allows you to make a decision. In the business world, an opción is the right the buyer gets by paying a fee to sell or buy shares during a pre-determined time period.
Once again, pay close attention to context.
5. Opción estadounidense (American option)
No, this does not refer to the United States of America having a special option or treatment on a deal. This is one of those times when, even though literal translations are the same, the meaning is not what you would expect.
An American option refers to an option that can take place any time in the pre-determined time period.
6. Opción europea (European option)
Yes, you guessed right! This does not refer to the continent. In fact, it’s another type of option (business option). It refers to the option that can take place only on a pre-determined day/expiration date.
I bet after this one you feel like you’re getting the hang of it, right?
7. Flujo de efectivo (Cash flow)
When you’re high up in the business world and own your own company, you will definitely care about this term. The cash flow is a monthly description of how the money moves within a company. This helps the company look at expenses, earnings, future projections, and where there’s room for improvement.
Why is this one on the list? Because it’s one of the most widely used expressions in business. This concept will come up during meetings and business discussions, so it’s important to learn it now.
Keep in mind that there are several other Spanish words that are specific to the business world, but many of them can be quite confusing. Luckily, there are lots of knowledgeable, well-qualified Spanish teachers who want to help you learn and succeed.
Now, go study Spanish so you can work your way to the top. ¡Buena suerte!
Post Author: Montserrat P.Montserrat P. teaches violin and music theory lessons with TakeLessons. Originally from Costa Rica, she is now completing her studies at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has been teaching music lessons since 2012. Learn more about Montserrat here!
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