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

📅 Published: April 18, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

deuda

noun • /[DEU-da]/

debt

Example:

La empresa pagó su deuda.

The company paid its debt.

🧠 What does deuda mean?

The Spanish noun 'deuda' refers to a financial obligation, meaning money owed to another person or entity. It represents an amount that must be repaid, often with interest. This term is fundamental in contexts involving loans, credit, mortgages, and any situation where one party has received something of value and is obligated to return it in the future. Beyond financial contexts, 'deuda' can also metaphorically signify a moral or social obligation, a sense of gratitude that needs to be repaid.

📚 Extra examples

  • La empresa busca renegociar su deuda externa.
    The company is seeking to renegotiate its external debt.
  • Tiene una deuda pendiente con el banco desde hace años.
    He has an outstanding debt with the bank for years.
  • Pagar la deuda estudiantil es una prioridad para muchos jóvenes.
    Paying off student debt is a priority for many young people.
  • Siente una profunda deuda de gratitud hacia sus mentores.
    She feels a deep debt of gratitude towards her mentors.
  • El gobierno anunció medidas para reducir la deuda pública.
    The government announced measures to reduce public debt.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'deuda' comes from the Latin word 'debitum', meaning 'that which is owed' or 'debt'. It shares a root with the English word 'debit', highlighting the interconnectedness of financial terminology across Romance and Germanic languages.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "deuda"

Synonyms: obligación, crédito
Opposites: crédito, activo, ingreso

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'debt' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'debt' is 'deuda'.
How do you pronounce 'deuda' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'deuda' is approximately 'DEH-oo-dah'. The 'eu' combination is pronounced as a diphthong, similar to the 'ew' in 'few'.
How do you use 'deuda' in a sentence?
'Deuda' is used to describe a financial obligation. For instance, 'Tengo una deuda con mi amigo' means 'I have a debt with my friend.' It can also be used in more complex financial phrases, such as 'la deuda hipotecaria' (mortgage debt).
What is the English translation of 'deuda'?
The primary English translation of 'deuda' is 'debt'.
Does 'deuda' change for gender or number?
'Deuda' is a feminine noun. It is singular in its base form. To indicate plural, it becomes 'deudas' (debts).
Is 'deuda' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'deuda' is a common word, especially when discussing personal finances, loans, or business transactions. Its usage extends to metaphorical meanings as well.
Does 'deuda' have slang or double meanings?
While 'deuda' primarily refers to financial obligation, it can be used metaphorically to express a strong sense of moral or social obligation or gratitude, as in 'deuda de gratitud' (debt of gratitude). It does not have significant slang meanings.
Is 'deuda' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning and usage of 'deuda' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might occur in specific idiomatic expressions or the context of financial regulations, but the fundamental definition remains the same.

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