How to Say "Ransom" in Spanish

rescate

/resˈkate/masculine

The English word 'ransom' is translated into Spanish as rescate.

rescate is a noun used to refer to the money paid to secure the release of a hostage.

Meaning: money paid for the freeing of a hostage (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word rescate is derived from the verb rescatar, which means a rescue or the act of saving someone.

rescate is a masculine noun and is used with the definite article el (el rescate).

/resˈkate/

When talking about pensions or investments, a rescate is the act of withdrawing your money before the official maturity date.
The term rescatar is used in religious contexts to mean 'redeeming' a soul from sin.
In Spanish, the word rescate describes both the payment given to a criminal and the heroic act of a rescue team saving someone from a fire or flood.

Tom rehusó pagar el rescate.
Tom refused to pay the ransom.
This sentence is useful for illustrating the verb 'refused' in relation to the noun rescate.
Tatoeba #4372436 by pchamorro, translation #3185869 by CK
El secuestrador pidió un rescate de dos millones de dólares.
The hijacker demanded a ransom of two million dollars.
This sentence shows how a kidnapper might demand a specific amount of money as a rescate.
Tatoeba #3608298 by cueyayotl, translation #50030 by Eldad
Mi sacrificio quedará para siempre en su alma y mi sangre será el precio de su rescate.
My sacrifice will remain forever in their souls and my blood will be the price of their ransom.
This sentence uses rescate in a more poetic or dramatic context regarding a price paid for freedom.
Tatoeba #1305712 by hayastan, translation #2944263 by DJ_Saidez
El secuestrador exigió un rescate de un millón de dólares.
The kidnapper demanded a ransom of one million dollars.
Pagaron el rescate para asegurar la liberación del rehén.
They paid the ransom to secure the hostage's release.
Pagaron un platal para que liberaran al empresario.
They paid a fortune to have the businessman released.
El secuestrador quiere mucha plata para soltar al chico.
The kidnapper wants a lot of money to release the kid.
1 more sentence on Tatoeba

Mateo and Sofía are discussing a crime movie they just watched.

Mateo

No puedo creer que pagaron el rescate.
I can't believe they paid the ransom.
Sofía

Era la única forma de salvarlo, Mateo.
It was the only way to save him, Mateo.
Mateo

Pero el rescate era demasiado dinero.
But the ransom was too much money.
Sofía

Tienes razón, Sofía piensa que fue arriesgado.
You are right, Sofía thinks it was risky.

Sources

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