Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| reembolsar | /reembolˈsaɾ/ |
| devolver | /debolˈbeɾ/ |
| reintegrar | /reinteˈɡɾaɾ/ |
The verb phrase is used to describe the act of returning money to someone. While there are several ways to express this, the most natural way to say 'to refund the money' in daily situations is to use the phrase devolver el dinero.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the context. reembolsar is a direct translation for 'to refund' and is used in official business or legal communications. However, devolver (to return / to give back) is much more common in everyday spoken Spanish when discussing getting money back. reintegrar serves as another option for the act of returning funds.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal expression plata de vuelta is used in certain Latin American countries to refer to a refund.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun devolución is frequently used to refer to the specific process of a refund or the act of returning an item.
How do you pronounce it?
/reembolˈsaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word reembolsar is built from bolsa, meaning 'bag'. Historically, it refers to putting money back into a purse or bag.
- The term plata de vuelta uses plata, which literally means 'silver', to refer to money in a general sense.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, devolver is used for both returning a physical product to a store and receiving the money back for it.
Examples in context
- No me querían devolver el dinero.They wouldn't give me a refund.This sentence shows the use of devolver to express not wanting to give money back.Tatoeba #5674475 by arh, translation #5671905 by CK
- Le devolverán el dinero si no está satisfecho.They'll refund your money if you're not satisfied.This sentence uses devolver to describe a condition for a refund.Tatoeba #3954936 by gianich73, translation #2959071 by sharptoothed
- ¿Puedo devolver esto para que me lo reembolsen?May I return this for a refund?This sentence uses devolver to ask about returning an item for a refund.Tatoeba #5674469 by arh, translation #5671900 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿es posible obtener un reembolso por esta compra?Excuse me, is it possible to get a refund for this purchase?
- Quisiera solicitar una devolución de dinero por este producto defectuoso, por favor.I would like to request a refund for this defective product, please.
- Oye, me dieron un reembolso por el artículo que compré. Tenía un defecto.Hey, I got a refund for the item I bought, it had a defect.
- Espero que me den la plata de vuelta por esta compra fallida.I hope they give me a refund for this unsuccessful purchase.
- Buenos días, compré este libro ayer pero está dañado. ¿Sería posible devolverlo y obtener un reembolso?Good morning, I bought this book yesterday, but it is damaged. Would it be possible to return it and get a refund?
- Hola, ¿puedo hablar con alguien sobre un reembolso para estos zapatos? No se ajustan correctamente y me gustaría obtener mi dinero de vuelta.Hello, can I speak to someone about a refund for these shoes? They don't fit properly, and I would like to get my money back.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a faulty product at a store.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿me pueden reembolsar el dinero por esto?Daniel, can they refund the money to me for this?
- DanielNo sé si podrán reembolsarte hoy, Sofía.I don't know if they will be able to refund you today, Sofía.
- SofíaTengo que lograr que me reembolsen el total.I have to make them refund the total to me.
- DanielEs tu derecho si el producto está roto.It is your right if the product is broken.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “refund” translations and entries reembolsar, devolver, reintegrar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devolver, reembolsar, reintegrar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
