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colateral means collateral — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 16, 2025

💼 Spanish for Business

colateral

noun • /[koh-lah-TEH-ral]/

collateral

Example:

El préstamo requiere colateral adicional.

The loan requires additional collateral.

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🧠 What does colateral mean?

In Spanish, 'colateral' primarily refers to something pledged as security for a loan. Think of it as an asset that guarantees repayment. It can be a house, a car, or other valuable possessions. 'Colateral' can also be used more broadly to describe something secondary or indirect, like 'collateral damage.' In this sense, it refers to unintended consequences or side effects of an action.

📚 Extra examples

  • El banco pidió un colateral para el préstamo.
    The bank asked for collateral for the loan.
  • Tu casa puede servir como colateral.
    Your house can serve as collateral.
  • Los daños colaterales de la guerra fueron devastadores.
    The collateral damage of the war was devastating.
  • El beneficio colateral de hacer ejercicio es dormir mejor.
    A collateral benefit of exercising is sleeping better.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'collateral' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'collateral' is 'colateral'.
How do you pronounce 'colateral' in Spanish?
It's pronounced koh-lah-teh-RAL, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'colateral' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'El banco pidió un colateral para el préstamo' (The bank asked for collateral for the loan), or 'Los daños colaterales fueron mínimos' (The collateral damage was minimal).
What is the English translation of 'colateral'?
The English translation of 'colateral' is 'collateral'.
Does 'colateral' change for gender or number?
No, 'colateral' stays the same, regardless of gender or number. It's considered an invariable adjective when used to mean secondary or indirect.
Is 'colateral' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood, it's more common in formal settings, particularly in business and finance. In casual conversation, simpler synonyms might be used depending on the context.
Does 'colateral' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. Its meaning is generally straightforward and related to its core definition of security or secondary consequence.
Is 'colateral' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'colateral' are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "colateral"

Synonyms: garantía, fianza, aval, secundario, indirecto

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'colateral' comes from the Latin word 'collateralis', meaning 'side by side'.

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