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

📅 Published: April 19, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

préstamo

noun • /[PRES-ta-mo]/

loan

Example:

Solicitaron un préstamo bancario.

They requested a bank loan.

🧠 What does préstamo mean?

A préstamo refers to a sum of money lent by one party to another, with the expectation of repayment over a specified period, often with interest. In a financial or business context, it is a formal agreement where a lender provides funds to a borrower, who then incurs an obligation to return the principal amount along with any agreed-upon charges. This can range from personal loans to larger corporate financing.

📚 Extra examples

  • La empresa solicitó un préstamo bancario para expandir sus operaciones.
    The company applied for a bank loan to expand its operations.
  • Obtener un préstamo hipotecario requiere una evaluación crediticia detallada.
    Obtaining a mortgage loan requires a detailed credit assessment.
  • El gobierno ofreció préstamos con bajas tasas de interés para emprendedores.
    The government offered low-interest loans for entrepreneurs.
  • Es importante entender los términos y condiciones de cualquier préstamo antes de aceptarlo.
    It is important to understand the terms and conditions of any loan before accepting it.
  • Ella está pagando un préstamo estudiantil para cubrir sus gastos universitarios.
    She is paying off a student loan to cover her university expenses.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'préstamo' comes from the Latin verb 'praestare', which means 'to stand before', 'to offer', or 'to give'. This etymology highlights the idea of offering something (money) in advance with the expectation of return.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "préstamo"

Synonyms: crédito, financiamiento, capital
Opposites: depósito, ahorro

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'loan' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'loan' in Spanish is préstamo.
How do you pronounce 'préstamo' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'préstamo' is PRES-tah-moh. The accent mark on the 'é' indicates that the stress falls on that syllable.
How do you use 'préstamo' in a sentence?
Préstamo is used as a noun and typically follows articles like 'un' (a) or 'el' (the). For example, 'Pedir un préstamo' means 'to ask for a loan'.
What is the English translation of 'préstamo'?
The English translation of 'préstamo' is 'loan'.
Does 'préstamo' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'préstamo' is masculine singular. Its plural form is 'préstamos'.
Is 'préstamo' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'préstamo' is a common word used in everyday Spanish, especially when discussing finances, banking, or borrowing money.
Does 'préstamo' have slang or double meanings?
In its primary financial context, 'préstamo' does not typically have slang or double meanings. However, the verb 'prestar' (to lend) can be used more broadly in phrases like 'prestar atención' (to pay attention).
Is 'préstamo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'préstamo' are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America in its core financial sense. Regional variations might exist in specific financial products or terms, but 'préstamo' itself is universally understood.

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