Taking Care of Business 7 Essential Spanish Words for Business Professionals

Taking Care of Business 7 Essential Spanish Words for Business Professionals Sign up successful No matter which industry you’re pursuing, here are seven essential Spanish words for business professionals. 1. Cuenta  (Account) This refers to a bank account. Luckily, you can use the same term  when you talk about anybody related to the account, such as the account holder or account manager. Tip:  Be careful not to confuse cuenta (account)  with bill (which is also cuenta). You  can avoid confusion by looking at the context in which the word is used. Also, you can use cuenta  for cuentas por pagar (accounts payable)  and cuentas por cobrar  (accounts receivable.)  Once again, pay close attention to context to  figure out which cuenta you are using. 2. Cierre  (Business death or closing) Using this term can be tricky. Not only is cierre the imperative form of the verb to close, but it also has different meanings in the business world. Cierre can mean two things in a business context: it can mean that business is ending (due to a death), or it can refer to giving money or a loan to another person or organization (a business deal closing). 3. Arrendamineto (Lease) As Im sure you know, a lease is an agreement between two parties where one person (the lessor), rents something to the other person  (the renter). Why is the term included in this list? Because, as with many Spanish words, it has a lot of synonyms. Arrendamiento, renta, inquilinato, arriento, and seción all mean lease.  In this particular case, it does not matter which one you choose, but you should be aware of all the different words  so you  will understand them if you hear or see them. 4. Opción  (Option) In everyday speech, an opción is a choice  which  allows you to make a decision. In the business world, an  opción  is  the right the buyer gets by paying a fee to sell or buy shares during a pre-determined time period. Once again, pay close attention to context. 5.  Opción estadounidense  (American option) No, this does not refer to the United States of America having a special option or treatment on a deal.   This is one of those times when, even though literal translations are the same, the meaning is not what you would expect. An American option refers to an option that can take place any time in the  pre-determined time period. 6.  Opción europea   (European option) Yes, you guessed right!   This does not refer to the continent. In fact, its another type of option (business option). It refers to the option that can take place  only on a pre-determined day/expiration date. I bet after this one you feel like youre getting the hang of it, right? 7. Flujo de efectivo   (Cash flow) When  youre high up in the business world  and own your own company, you will definitely care about this term. The cash flow is a monthly description of how the money moves within a  company. This helps the company look at  expenses, earnings, future projections, and where theres room for improvement. Why is this one on the list?   Because its one of the most widely used expressions  in business.   This concept will come up  during meetings and business discussions,  so its important to learn it now. Keep in mind  that there are several other Spanish words  that are  specific to the business world, but  many of them can be quite confusing. Luckily,  there are lots of knowledgeable,  well-qualified Spanish teachers who  want to help you learn and succeed. Now, go study  Spanish so you can work your way to the top. ¡Buena suerte! Post Author: Montserrat P. Montserrat P. teaches violin and music theory lessons with TakeLessons. Originally from Costa Rica, she is now completing her studies at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has been teaching music lessons since 2012. Learn more about Montserrat here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher