Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vale | /ˈbale/ | masculine |
| cupón | /kuˈpon/ | masculine |
| váucher | /baut͡ʃeɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, masculine |
| voucher | /ˈbaut͡ʃeɾ/ | masculine |
A voucher refers to a piece of paper that entitles the holder to a discount or can be exchanged for goods and services. Depending on the context, you might use different terms: comprobante is a more precise term if the 'voucher' specifically refers to a printed receipt or proof of a transaction. In many Latin American countries, the phrase vale de despensa is used to describe grocery vouchers provided as employee benefits.
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to a receipt or proof of purchase, comprobante is more accurate. In Latin America, the anglicism váucher is frequently heard in business or administrative speech and the English spelling voucher is also used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bono is a formal way to say voucher. Váucher is a colloquial anglicism used in spoken Latin American Spanish, especially in administrative contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the specific phrase vale de regalo is used to mean gift voucher. In Latin America, váucher is a common colloquialism.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of vale is vales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbale/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the word vale is used as a constant filler word meaning 'okay' or 'I agree'.
- The word vale shares an ancient connection with the Latin expression 'valē', which was used as a greeting meaning 'be well' or 'goodbye'.
- While vale is a common word for 'voucher', it is also the third-person singular form of the verb 'valer', meaning 'it is worth'.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué bueno! ¿Me puedes pasar el cuponcito? Quiero probar ese café.Hey, I found this voucher for a free coffee at the new café downtown. / That's great! Can you pass me the little voucher? I want to try that coffee.
- Tengo un vale para una cena gratis.I have a voucher for a free dinner.
- ¿Este vale es válido para este producto?Is this voucher valid for this product?
- El empleado me entregó un vale de descuento.The employee gave me a discount voucher.
Example conversation
Mateo is asking Elena about a gift she received.
- Elena¿Qué es ese papel, Mateo?What is that piece of paper, Mateo?
- MateoEs un vale para un spa.It is a voucher for a spa.
- Elena¡Qué buena suerte tienes!You are so lucky!
- MateoSí, es un regalo de mi hermana.Yes, it is a gift from my sister.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “voucher” translations and entries vale, cupón, voucher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cupón, vale, CC BY-SA 4.0.
