deudor
Lemma Details
Translation: debtor; borrower; indebted person; debtor person
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'debitor' (one who owes something), from 'debere' (to owe). The English cognate 'debtor' follows the same Latin root. In Spanish, the Latin 'b' evolved into 'u' in many words, creating the characteristic 'deud-' root seen in related words like 'deuda' (debt). This pattern of b→u shift is common in Spanish evolution from Latin (compare Latin 'habere' → Spanish 'haber').
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El banco contactó al deudor para recordarle el pago pendiente.
The bank contacted the debtor to remind him of the pending payment.
Como deudor principal, soy responsable de pagar todo el préstamo.
As the primary debtor, I am responsible for paying the entire loan.
Los deudores deben presentar garantías para obtener nuevos créditos.
Debtors must present guarantees to obtain new credits.
Mnemonics
- Think 'deudor' sounds like 'do a door' - as in someone who needs to 'do a door-to-door' collection to pay back what they owe.
- Connect it to 'deuda' (debt) + '-or' (person who does something) = person who has debt.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, the concept of being a 'deudor' carries significant social weight. There's often a strong cultural emphasis on honoring one's debts and maintaining good credit. In many Latin American countries, debt collection practices and laws may differ from those in English-speaking countries, with some places having more personal and direct approaches to debt collection.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: This is simply the feminine form of 'deudor', used when referring to a female debtor.
Notes: This follows the standard Spanish pattern of gender agreement.
Mnemonic: Deudor ends in -or (masculine), deudora ends in -a (feminine).
Explanation: While 'deudor' is someone who owes money (debtor), 'acreedor' is someone to whom money is owed (creditor) - they are opposites.
This word:
Como deudor, debo pagar mis cuotas a tiempo.
As a debtor, I must pay my installments on time.
Confused word:
Como acreedor, espero recibir el pago completo.
As a creditor, I expect to receive the full payment.
Notes: These terms are complementary in financial relationships - every deudor has an acreedor.
Mnemonic: Think of 'acreedor' as containing 'creed' - someone who believes they will get their money back.