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abono means pass — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 13, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

abono

noun • /[a-BO-no]/

pass

Example:

Compré un abono para toda la semana.

I bought a pass for the whole week.

🧠 What does abono mean?

An 'abono' is a noun with two primary meanings. First, it refers to a subscription, pass, or season ticket that grants access to a service or a series of events for a set period. This is commonly used for public transportation, theaters, concerts, or sports teams. Second, in an agricultural or gardening context, 'abono' means fertilizer or compost—a substance added to soil to enrich it and help plants grow.

📚 Extra examples

  • He renovado mi abono del gimnasio por un año más.
    I have renewed my gym membership for another year.
  • El abono de transporte te permite usar el metro y el autobús de forma ilimitada.
    The transport pass allows you to use the metro and bus an unlimited number of times.
  • Para que los tomates crezcan sanos, es importante añadir un buen abono a la tierra.
    For tomatoes to grow healthy, it's important to add a good fertilizer to the soil.
  • ¿Tienes el abono para la temporada de ópera de este año?
    Do you have the season ticket for this year's opera season?

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'abono' is closely related to the verb 'abonar'. This verb can mean 'to fertilize' but also 'to pay' or 'to credit an account'. Both senses derive from the old concept of 'making something good' (from 'bueno'). One makes soil 'good' with fertilizer, and one makes a debt or account 'good' by paying into it.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "abono"

Synonyms: suscripción, pase, bono, fertilizante, estiércol
Opposites: entrada individual, billete sencillo, deuda, cargo

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'pass' in Spanish?
The word for a pass, like a season ticket or a transport pass, is 'un abono'. Other words like 'pase' or 'billete' can also be used, but 'abono' specifically implies a subscription or a pass valid for a period of time or a series of uses.
How do you pronounce 'abono' in Spanish?
'Abono' is pronounced ah-BOH-noh. The stress falls on the second syllable, '-bo-'.
How do you use 'abono' in a sentence?
For a subscription or pass: 'Mi abono de transporte expira la próxima semana.' (My transport pass expires next week). For fertilizer: 'El agricultor añadió abono a la tierra.' (The farmer added fertilizer to the soil).
What is the English translation of 'abono'?
'Abono' can be translated as a 'pass', 'season ticket', or 'subscription'. It also translates to 'fertilizer' or 'compost' in an agricultural or gardening context. A third meaning is a 'payment' or 'installment' on a debt.
Does 'abono' change for gender or number?
Yes. 'Abono' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'abonos'. For example: 'Hay diferentes tipos de abonos para el transporte público.' (There are different types of passes for public transport).
Is 'abono' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'abono' is a common word, especially when discussing public transportation ('abono de transporte'), sports ('abono del club'), and gardening or agriculture ('abono para plantas').
Does 'abono' have slang or double meanings?
Besides the main meanings of a pass and fertilizer, 'abono' can also refer to a payment or installment made towards a debt. This meaning is derived directly from the verb 'abonar' (to pay, to credit).
Is 'abono' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'abono' for a transport pass is very common in Spain. In some Latin American countries, terms like 'pase' or 'boleto mensual' may be more frequent for transport, but 'abono' is still widely understood, especially for season tickets for cultural or sporting events. The meaning of 'fertilizer' is universal.

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