Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ingresos | /inˈɡɾesos/ | masculine, plural |
| ingreso | /inˈɡɾeso/ | masculine |
| renta | /ˈrenta/ | feminine |
The term income refers to money earned through work or by capitalizing on the work of others. In a broad sense, including salary, earnings or revenue, the formal term used is ingreso.
Which one should you use?
While ingreso can refer to a single instance of income, the plural form ingresos is the standard way to refer to one's general income or total earnings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ingreso is a formal term. For income specifically related to rental income or investments, the formal term renta is used. For profits or earnings from business activities, the formal term ganancia can be used. In colloquial speech, renta is used to mean income and the slang term plata is a popular way to refer to money or income in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, sueldo is commonly used to refer to salary or income from employment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ingresos is masculine, so it must be used with masculine adjectives, such as ingresos altos (high income).
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈɡɾesos/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, the word plata is used for money. This literally translates to 'silver', referring to the silver coins that were once the primary currency.
- In Spanish, ingreso can describe not only money but also the act of entering a hospital or a university. A person can have an ingreso (admission) without any money being involved.
- While renta means income, it is also the core word used for 'tax returns' (declaración de la renta) in Spain. This links the money you earn directly to the process of reporting it to the government.
Examples in context
- Tom no tiene ingresos.Tom has no income.This sentence shows the use of the singular form ingreso to express a lack of income.Tatoeba #5948380 by albrusgher, translation #5757938 by CM
- Él tiene un buen ingreso.He has a nice income.This sentence demonstrates the use of ingreso to describe a good income.Tatoeba #991024 by hayastan, translation #674128 by Eldad
- Él tiene unos razonables ingresos.He has a fair income.This sentence illustrates how to use the plural form ingresos to describe a fair income.Tatoeba #5948378 by albrusgher, translation #284659 by CM
- Mi ingreso mensual es de $2,000.My monthly income is $2,000.
- Recibo una buena renta por mis propiedades en la ciudad.I receive a good income from my properties in the city.
- Las ganancias de la empresa aumentaron significativamente este año.The company's income increased significantly this year.
- ¿Cuánto dinero ganaste este mes?How much money did you earn this month?
- Me pagaron el sueldo el viernes pasado.I was paid my salary last Friday.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing their finances at a cafe.
- Alejandro¿Cómo van tus ingresos este mes, Lucía?How is your income this month, Lucía?
- LucíaMis ingresos son un poco bajos ahora.My income is a bit low right now.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, yo te ayudaré.Don't worry, I will help you.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, eres muy amable.Thank you, Alejandro, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “income” translations and entries ingresos, ingreso, renta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
