sobregiro
/sobɾeˈxiɾo/
The English phrase 'overdraft' is sobregiro in Spanish.
sobregiro refers to the amount of money overdrawn from an account. In a banking context, you may see the phrase sobregiro bancario to specifically mean 'bank overdraft'. You can also use the expression En números rojos to describe a negative bank balance resulting from an overdraft.
Meaning: amount overdrawn (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word sobregiro is composed of the prefix sobre- (meaning over or above) and giro (meaning turn, rotation or draft), literally translating to an 'over-draft'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions use specific terms for an overdraft: in Spain, people commonly use saldo negativo or descubierto. In Argentina, you might hear cuenta en rojo. And in Peru, saldo en rojo is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'overdrafts', use sobregiros.
How do you pronounce it?
/sobɾeˈxiɾo/
Did you know?
- While sobregiro is the formal term, people in Spain often use descubierto, which literally means 'uncovered'. This frames the overdraft not as an excess, but as a lack of protection for the account.
- The prefix sobre- in sobregiro is a direct descendant of the Latin 'super', making it a linguistic relative of English words like 'superman' or 'supervise'.
- In Spanish, the prefix sobre- is used in many financial terms to indicate an excess, such as sobrecoste for 'overcost'. This creates a consistent linguistic pattern for any budget overrun, not just bank accounts.
Examples in context
- Me quedé al descubiertoI ended up in the overdraft
- El sobregiro de la cuenta es muy alto.The account overdraft is very high.
- Tengo que pagar el sobregiro mañana.I have to pay the overdraft tomorrow.
- El banco no permite un sobregiro de este tamaño.The bank does not allow an overdraft of this size.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing their banking situation at home.
- Daniel¿Viste el estado de cuenta, Elena?Did you see the account statement, Elena?
- ElenaSí, el sobregiro es bastante grande.Yes, the overdraft is quite large.
- DanielDebemos depositar dinero pronto para cubrirlo.We must deposit money soon to cover it.
- ElenaTienes razón, Daniel, lo haré hoy.You are right, Daniel, I will do it today.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sobregiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sobregiro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
