alquilar
/alkiˈlaɾ/
To rent in Spanish is alquilar.
The verb alquilar means to pay money to use something for a short period of time. It is a versatile verb used by both the tenant paying to use an item and the landlord receiving money to let someone else use it.
Which one should you use?
While alquilar is the standard choice in Spain for renting vehicles or property, in many parts of Latin America, the verb rentar is used synonymously to mean the same thing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The verb rentar is commonly used in specific regions, such as Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to refer to the actual payment made for the rental, use the noun el alquiler.
How do you pronounce it?
/alkiˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb alquilar comes from the Arabic word 'al-kirā' meaning 'the hiring', reflecting the historical influence of Arabic on the Spanish language.
- If you use rentar in Spain, people might think you are saying that something is 'profitable' or 'worth it' rather than talking about a rental agreement.
- In Mexico, you will frequently see signs saying Se renta on houses, which translates literally as 'It rents itself'.
Examples in context
- Tuve que alquilar un auto.I had to rent a car.This sentence shows the use of alquilar with a car.Tatoeba #4849301 by hayastan, translation #3670536 by mykolas
- Quisiera alquilar un auto.I'd like to rent a car.This sentence shows how to express a desire to use alquilar to rent a car.Tatoeba #9644300 by arh, translation #29477 by CK
- Quería alquilar un autobús.I wanted to rent a bus.This sentence shows the use of alquilar regarding a bus.Tatoeba #2107102 by Shishir, translation #1354102 by bapouy
- Voy a arrendar una casa en ChileI am going to rent a house in Chile
- Voy a rentar un coche en MéxicoI am going to rent a car in Mexico
- Voy a rentar una película para ver esta nocheI am going to rent a movie to watch tonight
- Yo alquilo un apartamento.I rent an apartment
- Tú alquilas una casa.You rent a house
- Ella alquila una habitación.She rents a room
- ¿Cuánto cuesta alquilar un coche por una semana?How much does it cost to rent a car for a week?
- Estoy buscando un apartamento para alquilar en el centroI am looking for an apartment to rent in the city center
- El alquiler de ese local es demasiado caroThe rent for that place is too expensive
- Me gustaría rentar un vehículo por dos díasI would like to rent a vehicle for two days
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing their vacation plans.
- Javier¿Quieres alquilar una bicicleta?Do you want to rent a bicycle?
- ElenaSí, sería divertido.Yes, that would be fun.
- JavierYo voy a alquilar una para nosotros.I am going to rent one for us.
- ElenaPerfecto, gracias Javier.Perfect, thanks Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry alquilar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alquilar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
