cuenta de ahorros
Lemma Details
Translation: savings account
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Compound term from 'cuenta' (account) and 'ahorros' (savings). 'Cuenta' derives from Latin 'computare' meaning 'to calculate' or 'to count', sharing roots with English words like 'count' and 'account'. 'Ahorros' comes from the verb 'ahorrar' (to save), which originated from Arabic 'hurr' meaning 'free man', evolving to convey the idea of freeing oneself from expenses by saving money.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Abrí una cuenta de ahorros para guardar dinero para mis vacaciones.
I opened a savings account to save money for my vacation.
Transferí dinero de mi cuenta corriente a mi cuenta de ahorros.
I transferred money from my checking account to my savings account.
Mi cuenta de ahorros genera un interés del 2% anual.
My savings account generates 2% interest annually.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'cuenta' as 'counting' your money that accumulates.
- For 'ahorros', think of 'hoarding' your money away safely.
- Visualize a piggy bank with a counter on it, counting up your savings.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, savings accounts (cuentas de ahorros) are a fundamental financial product promoted from childhood as part of financial education. In some regions, banks offer special savings accounts for children with educational materials about saving money. The concept of 'ahorrar para el futuro' (saving for the future) is culturally emphasized in many Hispanic families.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both are bank accounts, a 'cuenta de ahorros' (savings account) is designed for saving money and typically offers interest but limited transactions, whereas a 'cuenta corriente' (checking account) is for daily transactions with frequent access but usually no interest.
Confused word:
Uso mi cuenta corriente para pagar las facturas mensuales.
I use my checking account to pay monthly bills.
Notes: In Spanish banking, the distinction between these accounts is similar to the English distinction between savings and checking accounts.
Mnemonic: Think: 'ahorros' = saving for later; 'corriente' = current/running expenses
Explanation: A 'cuenta de ahorros' is a low-risk account for storing money with modest interest, while a 'cuenta de inversión' (investment account) involves higher risk with potentially higher returns through stocks, bonds, or funds.
Confused word:
Mi cuenta de inversión fluctúa con el mercado de valores.
My investment account fluctuates with the stock market.
Notes: The key difference is risk level and purpose: saving vs. growing money through investment.
Mnemonic: Savings = Safe; Investment = Increased risk/reward