Which one should you use?
While alquiler can refer to the object being rented, it is also the standard word for the act of renting or the amount paid. In many Latin American countries, the word renta is commonly used to refer to the periodic payment of rent, whereas alquiler is more common in Spain or used specifically to denote the object being rented. For formal contexts involving the act of leasing property or vehicles, the term arrendamiento is used and a rental agreement or contract is called a contrato de arrendamiento.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, renta is often used instead of alquiler to refer to the periodic rent payment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of alquiler is alquileres. To describe an object as being 'for rent' (such as a rental car or a rental house), use the phrase de alquiler.
How do you pronounce it?
/alkiˈleɾ/
Did you know?
- The word alquiler originates from the Arabic word kirāʔ via Andalusian Arabic.
- The verb alquilar is bidirectional, meaning the same word is used whether you are the tenant paying or the landlord receiving the money.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the word renta can refer to personal income or tax revenue rather than just a monthly payment for a house.
Examples in context
- Debemos firmar el contrato de arrendamiento antes de poder alquilar el localWe must sign the rental contract before being able to rent the premises
- El alquiler es muy caro.The rent is very expensive.
- Busco un alquiler en el centro.I am looking for a rental downtown.
- ¿Cuánto cuesta el alquiler mensual?How much is the monthly rent?
Example conversation
Maria and Mateo are discussing a new apartment.
- MaríaMe gusta este apartamento, pero ¿cuánto es el alquiler?I like this apartment, but how much is the rental?
- MateoEl alquiler cuesta quinientos euros al mes.The rental costs five hundred euros per month.
- MaríaEs un precio razonable para esta zona.It is a reasonable price for this area.
- MateoSí, busquemos el contrato de alquiler ahora.Yes, let's look for the rental contract now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rental” translations and entries alquiler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alquiler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
