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

📅 Published: December 13, 2025

💼 Spanish for Business

gasto

noun • /[GAS-to]/

expense

Example:

Ese gasto no estaba presupuestado.

That expense wasn’t budgeted.

🧠 What does gasto mean?

Gasto is a masculine noun in Spanish that refers to an expenditure, cost, or outlay of money. It represents an amount of money that has been or is to be spent on something, such as goods, services, or operational needs. In a business context, gastos are essential for the functioning and growth of an enterprise. It can encompass a wide range of expenses, from everyday operational costs to larger investments. The term is often used in accounting and financial discussions to track and manage financial outflows.

📚 Extra examples

  • El gasto en publicidad ha aumentado este trimestre.
    The expenditure on advertising has increased this quarter.
  • Necesitamos reducir nuestros gastos operativos para mejorar la rentabilidad.
    We need to reduce our operational expenses to improve profitability.
  • Los gastos de viaje de los empleados se reembolsarán.
    Employees' travel expenses will be reimbursed.
  • Cada empresa debe controlar sus gastos para mantenerse a flote.
    Every company must control its costs to stay afloat.
  • Se ha aprobado un nuevo gasto para la compra de equipos.
    A new outlay has been approved for the purchase of equipment.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb form 'gastar' can also mean 'to wear out' (e.g., 'Mis zapatos se han gastado' - My shoes have worn out) or 'to play a prank' (e.g., 'Nos gastaron una broma' - They played a prank on us). However, in a business context, 'gasto' almost exclusively refers to financial expenditures.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "gasto"

Synonyms: coste, desembolso, erogación, egreso
Opposites: ingreso, beneficio, ganancia, renta

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'expense' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'expense' is 'gasto'.
How do you pronounce 'gasto' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'gasto' is 'GAHS-toh'. The 'g' is hard like in 'go', the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father', the 's' is like the 's' in 'so', and the 't' is pronounced with the tongue touching the back of the upper teeth, and the 'o' is like the 'o' in 'go'.
How do you use 'gasto' in a sentence?
'Gasto' is used to refer to any outflow of money for goods, services, or operational needs. For example, 'El gasto de la oficina es alto' means 'The office expenses are high'.
What is the English translation of 'gasto'?
The English translation of 'gasto' is 'expense', 'cost', or 'outlay'.
Does 'gasto' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'gasto' is a masculine noun. When referring to multiple expenses, it becomes plural: 'gastos'.
Is 'gasto' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'gasto' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, particularly when discussing personal finances or business matters.
Does 'gasto' have slang or double meanings?
While 'gasto' itself is a standard term, the verb form 'gastar' (to spend, to waste) can sometimes be used informally to imply wasting money or resources.
Is 'gasto' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'gasto' as an expense or cost is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in specific contexts or related idiomatic expressions, but 'gasto' itself is universally understood.

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