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

📅 Published: December 4, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

cobro

noun • /[CO-bro]/

charge

Example:

¿Por qué hay un cobro extra?

Why is there an extra charge?

🧠 What does cobro mean?

Cobro is a masculine noun that refers to the act of collecting or receiving payment for a debt, product, or service. It can also refer to the charge or fee itself. The word is directly derived from the verb 'cobrar' (to charge, to collect money). It is commonly used in commercial, financial, and administrative contexts.

📚 Extra examples

  • El cobro de la factura se realizará a fin de mes.
    The collection of the invoice will take place at the end of the month.
  • El banco aplicó un cobro adicional por la transferencia internacional.
    The bank applied an additional charge for the international transfer.
  • El sistema de cobro automático facilita las transacciones.
    The automatic payment collection system facilitates transactions.
  • No se efectuó ningún cobro en su tarjeta de crédito.
    No charge was made to your credit card.

💡 Did You Know?

A key aspect of 'cobro' is its direct link to the verb 'cobrar'. While 'pago' (payment) is viewed from the perspective of the person giving money, 'cobro' is always from the perspective of the person or entity receiving or collecting the money. This distinction is fundamental in Spanish commercial language.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cobro"

Synonyms: cargo, tarifa, pago, recaudación
Opposites: abono, pago, devolución

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'charge' in Spanish?
The word 'cobro' is widely used for 'charge', especially when referring to a fee for a service or the collection of payment. 'Cargo' is another common equivalent, often used for an additional fee or charge on a bill.
How do you pronounce 'cobro' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'KOH-broh'. The 'o' in 'co' is a pure 'o' sound, and the 'r' in 'bro' is a tapped or lightly rolled 'r', typical of Spanish.
How do you use 'cobro' in a sentence?
'Cobro' is used to talk about fees or the act of collecting money. For example: 'El cobro por el servicio es de cincuenta euros' (The charge for the service is fifty euros).
What is the English translation of 'cobro'?
The most common English translations are 'charge', 'fee', and 'collection' (in the sense of collecting a payment).
Does 'cobro' change for gender or number?
'Cobro' is a masculine noun, so it uses masculine articles like 'el' and 'un'. It has a plural form, 'los cobros', used when referring to multiple charges or collections.
Is 'cobro' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, it is very common in daily life, especially in any situation involving payments, bills, banking, or purchasing services.
Does 'cobro' have slang or double meanings?
'Cobro' does not have common slang or double meanings. It is a standard term used in formal and informal contexts related to money.
Is 'cobro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'cobro' is consistent across Spain and Latin America in financial and commercial contexts. There are no significant regional variations in its meaning or usage.

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