Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alquiler | /alkiˈleɾ/ | |
| renta | /ˈrenta/ | feminine |
| arriendo | /aˈrjendo/ | masculine |
alquiler is the standard, universal term for the payment made for the use of a property or an object. renta is often used to mean 'rent' in some contexts, but it is also the standard word for 'income' or 'profit' in a financial sense. The verb rentar is used in many parts of Latin America to mean 'to rent' (both renting out and renting from), while the verb alquilar is much more common in Spain for this purpose.
Which one should you use?
renta can mean 'rent', but it is frequently used to signify 'income' or 'revenue'. arriendo is a specific regional term used for 'rent'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
arriendo is a term commonly used in Chile and some other South American countries. In certain parts of Colombia, the word anticipo is used to refer to a down payment or advance rent. In Spain and certain South American countries, renta is often associated with meanings such as 'income' or 'revenue'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
renta is a feminine noun. arriendo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/alkiˈleɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the verb rentar is often used to mean 'to be worth it' or 'to be profitable' rather than to lease a property.
- The word alquiler has Arabic roots, having been borrowed from the word kirāʔ via Andalusian Arabic.
- In legal contracts in Spain, the term arrendamiento is used for the lease agreement, even if the person refers to the payment as alquiler in conversation.
Examples in context
- Tom pagó la renta.Tom paid the rent.This sentence shows how to use renta for a payment.Tatoeba #1174941 by marcelostockle, translation #1164330 by CK
- ¿Has pagado el alquiler?Have you paid the rent?This sentence uses alquiler to ask if rent has been paid.Tatoeba #2470797 by Shishir, translation #2470561 by Hybrid
- ¿Podemos rentar un coche?Can we rent a car?This sentence demonstrates using the verb related to renta to talk about renting a car.Tatoeba #2181928 by marcelostockle, translation #265607 by CK
- Estoy interesado en alquilar un apartamento en el centro de la ciudad.I am interested in renting an apartment in the city center.
- ¿Cuánto pagas de renta mensual?How much do you pay for rent monthly?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta el arriendo mensual en Santiago?How much does the monthly rent cost in Santiago?
- Debes pagar un anticipo de dos meses de renta.You must pay a two-month advance rent.
- Estoy buscando un alquiler a largo plazo.I am looking for a long-term rental.
- ¿Están incluidos los servicios en el alquiler?Are utilities included in the rent?
- Me gustaría un alquiler cerca de restaurantes y transporte público.I would like a rental close to restaurants and public transportation.
- ¿Cuál es el precio del alquiler?What is the rental price?
- ¿Dónde está ubicada la propiedad?Where is the property located?
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing the cost of their new apartment.
- Lucía¿Cuánto es el alquiler este mes?How much is the rent this month?
- AlejandroEl alquiler es un poco caro.The rent is a little expensive.
- LucíaEs verdad, pero el apartamento es lindo.True, but the apartment is nice.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía.You're right, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rent” translations and entries alquiler, renta, arriendo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alquiler, arriendo, renta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
