arancel
Lemma: arancel
Translation: tariff; duty; customs duty; fee schedule; price list (noun)
Etymology: Arancel comes from Arabic 'al-inzāl' meaning 'that which is sent down' or 'decree'. It entered Spanish during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492). The Arabic term referred to official price lists or tax schedules issued by authorities. This etymology connects to the modern meaning of official schedules of customs duties or professional fees.
Example Usage
El gobierno aumentó los aranceles sobre productos importados.
The government increased tariffs on imported products.
Los abogados cobran según el arancel establecido por el colegio profesional.
Lawyers charge according to the fee schedule established by the professional association.
La política de aranceles altos protege la industria nacional.
The high tariff policy protects the national industry.
La política de aranceles protege a los productores nacionales.
The tariff policy protects national producers.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'arancel' as 'a ransom cell' - like a tax or duty is a kind of ransom you pay to get your goods through customs.
- Associate with 'arrange' + 'sell' - governments arrange selling prices through tariffs.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'arancel' is commonly used in economic, legal, and administrative contexts. It's particularly relevant in discussions about international trade, protectionism, and economic policy. In some countries, it also refers to the official fee schedules for professional services like those of lawyers or notaries.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'arancel' refers to a tariff or fee schedule, 'arandela' means 'washer' (the metal ring used with screws and bolts) or 'ruffle' in clothing.
This word:
El arancel para importar automóviles es muy alto.
The tariff for importing cars is very high.
Notes: Both words begin with 'aran-' but have completely different meanings and uses.
Mnemonic: 'Arancel' ends with 'cel' like 'cell' (think of a tax cell), while 'arandela' ends with 'dela' (think of a 'donut'-shaped washer).
Explanation: 'Arancel' is a tariff or fee schedule, while 'arraigo' means 'rootedness' or 'establishment' and can also refer to a legal measure restricting someone from leaving a jurisdiction.
Confused word:
Esta tradición tiene un fuerte arraigo en nuestra cultura.
This tradition is deeply rooted in our culture.
Notes: Though they sound somewhat similar, they belong to completely different semantic fields.
Mnemonic: 'Arancel' contains 'ance' (think finance), while 'arraigo' contains 'raíz' (root in Spanish).