The Spanish verb subsidiar is a sophisticated yet essential term that describes the action of providing financial assistance to an individual, an industry, or a specific activity, typically by a government or a large public organization. At its core, it represents a strategic economic intervention designed to keep prices low for consumers, encourage the production of essential goods, or keep vital services afloat that might otherwise fail in a purely competitive market. While English speakers might immediately think of 'subsidizing,' in Spanish, the word carries a weight of social responsibility and economic policy that is frequently debated in the media and political spheres. It is not merely 'giving money'; it is a structured, often legal, allocation of funds to lower the cost of living or stimulate growth in specific sectors like agriculture, energy, or public transportation.
- Economic Intervention
- The state decides to subsidiar the cost of electricity during a heatwave to prevent vulnerable populations from losing access to cooling.
- Agricultural Support
- Governments often subsidiar local farmers to ensure food security and keep the prices of basic staples like bread and milk affordable for the general population.
- Cultural Promotion
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the ministry of culture might subsidiar independent cinema or local theater productions that lack commercial viability but have high artistic value.
El Estado decidió subsidiar el transporte público para reducir la contaminación en la ciudad.
Es necesario subsidiar la investigación científica para asegurar el desarrollo tecnológico del país.
Muchas ONGs dependen de que el gobierno decida subsidiar sus programas de alimentación escolar.
¿Es ético subsidiar a las empresas petroleras en medio de una crisis climática?
El plan para subsidiar la vivienda para jóvenes fue aprobado por unanimidad.
Understanding when to use subsidiar requires a grasp of the relationship between the entity providing the funds and the recipient. It is almost always a top-down relationship. You wouldn't subsidiar a friend's lunch; you would 'invitar' (treat) or 'pagar' (pay for) it. Subsidiar implies a formal economic mechanism. For example, if a city council pays half the cost of every bus ticket so that citizens only pay one euro, the city is subsidizing the transport. This word is vital for discussing politics, economics, and social justice in Spanish. It appears frequently in headlines regarding inflation, as governments often subsidiar fuel or basic foods to mitigate the impact of rising prices on the poor. In a B1 level conversation, you might use it to discuss why university tuition is cheaper in Spain than in the US, noting that the government subsidiarizes higher education to make it accessible to everyone regardless of their income level.
Using subsidiar correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb. This means it requires a direct object—the thing or entity being subsidized. Grammatically, it follows the regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in '-ar', making it relatively straightforward to conjugate in various tenses. However, the complexity arises in the choice of prepositions and the context of the sentence. Often, you will find it paired with 'el coste de' (the cost of) or 'la producción de' (the production of). It is also common to see it in passive constructions, such as 'ser subsidiado por' (to be subsidized by), which is a frequent structure in formal reports and journalistic writing.
- Direct Object Usage
- When the government is the subject: 'El gobierno subsidia la gasolina.' (The government subsidizes gasoline.) Here, 'la gasolina' is the direct object receiving the action.
- Infinitive with Purpose
- Using the infinitive after another verb: 'Debemos subsidiar las energías renovables.' (We must subsidize renewable energies.) This structure is common in political proposals.
- Passive Voice
- Focusing on the recipient: 'El pan está subsidiado por el Estado.' (Bread is subsidized by the State.) This emphasizes the status of the product rather than the action of the government.
Si no empezamos a subsidiar la educación tecnológica, nos quedaremos atrás.
La empresa privada no puede subsidiar sus propias pérdidas indefinidamente.
El ayuntamiento prometió subsidiar el alquiler de los artistas locales.
¿Cómo planea el candidato subsidiar el nuevo sistema de salud?
Ellos quieren subsidiar la exportación de frutas tropicales.
One nuance to keep in mind is the difference between subsidiar and 'financiar'. While 'financiar' simply means to provide the capital for something (often with the expectation of being paid back, like a loan), subsidiar implies a grant or a discount that is not intended to be repaid directly by the recipient. It is a form of financial 'cushioning'. For example, a bank might 'financiar' your house through a mortgage, but the government might 'subsidiar' your interest rates if you are a first-time buyer. In your Spanish writing, use subsidiar when the focus is on making something more affordable or supporting an industry for the public good. It is a powerful word to use in argumentative essays or when discussing social policies, as it immediately signals a level of formality and economic awareness.
In daily life, you are most likely to encounter subsidiar in the context of news broadcasts and political debates. In Spain and Latin America, the cost of living is a constant topic of conversation, and the government's role in 'subsidiar' basic utilities is frequently at the center of these discussions. For instance, in Argentina, the 'subsidios' to energy and transport are a massive part of the national budget, and any talk of 'quitar los subsidios' (removing subsidies) is met with significant public interest and often protest. You will also hear it in business news, specifically regarding international trade disputes where one country accuses another of unfairly 'subsidiar' its local industries to gain a competitive advantage in the global market.
- Television News
- 'El gobierno ha anunciado que dejará de subsidiar el diésel a partir del próximo mes.' (The government has announced it will stop subsidizing diesel starting next month.)
- Economic Podcasts
- Experts discussing 'la necesidad de subsidiar la transición ecológica' (the need to subsidize the green transition) to meet carbon emission targets.
- University Lectures
- Professors of sociology or economics explaining how 'subsidiar la cultura' helps maintain national identity in a globalized world.
Escuché en la radio que el estado va a subsidiar el fertilizante para los pequeños agricultores.
En el debate, el candidato propuso subsidiar la creación de empleo para jóvenes menores de 25 años.
La Unión Europea suele subsidiar proyectos de desarrollo rural en zonas despobladas.
Es común que las grandes ciudades decidan subsidiar el uso de bicicletas eléctricas.
Muchos ciudadanos se preguntan por qué el gobierno debe subsidiar a los bancos en tiempos de crisis.
Beyond the news, you might encounter this word in academic settings or when reading about international development. If you are studying in a Spanish-speaking country, you might find that your 'comedor universitario' (university cafeteria) is 'subsidiado', meaning the university pays part of the cost of your meal to keep it affordable for students. This real-world application makes the word tangible; it's the reason why a full meal might only cost 5 euros. In essence, whenever there is a discrepancy between the market value of a service and the price the end-user pays, 'subsidiar' is the verb that explains that gap. Understanding this word helps you navigate the social and economic fabric of Spanish-speaking societies, where the state often plays a more direct role in the economy than in some English-speaking countries.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing subsidiar with other verbs of giving or helping, such as 'ayudar' or 'donar'. While subsidiar is a form of help, it is specifically financial and institutional. You cannot 'subsidiar' a person in a casual sense. For example, saying 'Voy a subsidiar a mi hermano con su alquiler' sounds very robotic and strange, as if you are a government agency. In that case, you would use 'ayudar' or 'pagar parte de'. Another common error is mixing it up with 'subvencionar'. While they are often synonyms, 'subvencionar' is more common for grants given for a specific project, while 'subsidiar' is used for ongoing price support.
- Confusion with 'Donar'
- 'Donar' is for charity or philanthropy without any expected economic return or market regulation goal. 'Subsidiar' is a policy tool.
- Incorrect Subject
- Using an individual as the subject of 'subsidiar' is usually incorrect unless that individual is acting as a formal institution. It's almost always 'El Estado', 'El Gobierno', or 'La Organización'.
- Spelling Errors
- English speakers often try to spell it with a 'z' because of 'subsidize', but in Spanish, it is always with an 's': subsidiar. There is no 'z' in the root or conjugation.
El gobierno va a subsidiar a los pobres. (Too vague) -> El gobierno va a subsidiar los servicios básicos para las familias de bajos recursos.
Yo subsidio mi suscripción de Netflix. (Incorrect use) -> Yo pago mi suscripción de Netflix.
Subzidir (Spelling error) -> Subsidiar.
La empresa subsidia a sus empleados. (Ambiguous) -> La empresa subsidia el seguro médico de sus empleados.
Subsidiar es como vender. (Conceptual error) -> Subsidiar es lo opuesto a cobrar el precio real de mercado.
Another nuance is the preposition use. You 'subsidias algo' (direct object), but if you want to say you are subsidizing something *for* someone, you use 'a' or 'para'. For example: 'El estado subsidia el transporte a los jubilados.' (The state subsidizes transport for retirees). Misusing these prepositions can make the sentence clunky. Also, remember that 'subsidiar' is often seen as a controversial political act. Depending on the speaker's political leanings, they might use the word with a positive connotation (social welfare) or a negative one (market distortion). When writing, ensure your context makes it clear whether you are describing a neutral economic fact or expressing an opinion on the efficiency of public spending. Finally, don't confuse 'subsidiar' with 'subsistir' (to subsist/survive). They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
While subsidiar is the most precise term for long-term financial support of prices or sectors, Spanish offers several alternatives depending on the register and the specific nature of the financial aid. Choosing the right one can make your Spanish sound more natural and precise. The most common alternative is 'subvencionar', which is often used for one-time grants or specific projects. Another is 'financiar', which is broader and covers any form of providing money, including loans. For more informal or general contexts, 'ayudar económicamente' or 'apoyar' are perfectly acceptable substitutes.
- Subvencionar vs Subsidiar
- 'Subvencionar' is typically used for specific grants (e.g., a grant for a specific research project), whereas 'subsidiar' is used for systemic price support (e.g., subsidizing all electricity bills).
- Financiar vs Subsidiar
- 'Financiar' means to provide funds, often with a repayment plan. 'Subsidiar' is a gift or a discount to the end-user, usually provided by the state.
- Costear vs Subsidiar
- 'Costear' means to pay the full cost of something. Subsidiar only means paying *part* of it or supporting it to keep the price low.
El ministerio va a subvencionar la restauración del museo histórico.
Necesitamos un banco que pueda financiar la expansión de nuestra fábrica.
La fundación decidió sufragar los gastos de viaje de los estudiantes.
El estado debe respaldar económicamente a las pequeñas empresas.
El ayuntamiento optó por patrocinar el festival de música local.
In summary, while 'subsidiar' is your go-to word for government price support and economic policy, don't be afraid to use 'subvencionar' for specific grants, 'financiar' for loans and capital, or 'sufragar' for a more formal way of saying 'paying for'. Each of these words adds a layer of nuance to your Spanish. If you are ever unsure, 'subvencionar' is usually the safest bet in Spain, while 'subsidiar' is extremely common in Latin American economic discourse. Pay attention to the context: is it a gift? Is it a loan? Is it a permanent reduction in price? Answering these questions will help you choose the perfect verb every time.
レベル別の例文
El gobierno quiere subsidiar el pan.
The government wants to subsidize bread.
Present tense, third person singular.
Ellos subsidian el transporte escolar.
They subsidize school transport.
Present tense, third person plural.
El estado subsidia la leche.
The state subsidizes milk.
Present tense, third person singular.
Yo no puedo subsidiar esto.
I cannot subsidize this.
Infinitive after a modal verb (poder).
¿Quién va a subsidiar el viaje?
Who is going to subsidize the trip?
Future construction (ir a + infinitive).
La ciudad subsidia los parques.
The city subsidizes the parks.
Present tense, third person singular.
El colegio subsidia los libros.
The school subsidizes the books.
Present tense, third person singular.
Es bueno subsidiar la comida.
It is good to subsidize food.
Infinitive as a subject complement.
El ayuntamiento subsidió las clases de español.
The city council subsidized the Spanish classes.
Preterite (past) tense.
Muchas familias necesitan que el estado subsidie la luz.
Many families need the state to subsidize the electricity.
Present subjunctive after 'necesitar que'.
Si el gobierno subsidia la gasolina, los precios bajan.
If the government subsidizes gasoline, prices go down.
Conditional 'if' clause (si + present).
Estamos subsidiando el arte local.
We are subsidizing local art.
Present progressive (estar + gerund).
El año pasado, ellos subsidiaron el teatro.
Last year, they subsidized the theater.
Preterite tense, third person plural.
Es importante subsidiar a los pequeños negocios.
It is important to subsidize small businesses.
Impersonal expression + infinitive.
La universidad va a subsidiar tu beca.
The university is going to subsidize your scholarship.
Future construction.
Ellos no quieren subsidiar la contaminación.
They don't want to subsidize pollution.
Negative construction with infinitive.
El gobierno decidió subsidiar el transporte para reducir el tráfico.
The government decided to subsidize transport to reduce traffic.
Infinitive expressing purpose.
Dudo que la empresa pueda subsidiar todos los gastos.
I doubt the company can subsidize all the expenses.
Present subjunctive after 'dudar que'.
Si subsidias el deporte, mejoras la salud pública.
If you subsidize sports, you improve public health.
General 'if' statement.
Han subsidiado el alquiler de los jóvenes este mes.
They have subsidized the rent of young people this month.
Present perfect tense.
Es necesario subsidiar las energías limpias para frenar el cambio climático.
It is necessary to subsidize clean energies to stop climate change.
Impersonal expression + infinitive.
El estado siempre ha subsidiado la industria del carbón.
The state has always subsidized the coal industry.
Present perfect with 'siempre'.
¿Crees que deberían subsidiar la comida orgánica?
Do you think they should subsidize organic food?
Conditional mood for suggestions.
La organización busca subsidiar proyectos de educación en zonas rurales.
The organization seeks to subsidize education projects in rural areas.
Present tense with direct object.
A menos que el gobierno subsidie el sector, muchas empresas quebrarán.
Unless the government subsidizes the sector, many companies will go bankrupt.
Subjunctive after 'a menos que'.
Se está debatiendo si se debe subsidiar el consumo de agua.
It is being debated whether water consumption should be subsidized.
Passive 'se' construction.
El programa pretende subsidiar la adquisición de viviendas de protección oficial.
The program aims to subsidize the acquisition of social housing.
Formal vocabulary (pretender, adquisición).
Aunque el estado subsidie la educación, todavía hay gastos adicionales.
Even if the state subsidizes education, there are still additional costs.
Concessive clause with 'aunque' + subjunctive.
La UE prohíbe subsidiar empresas privadas para evitar la competencia desleal.
The EU prohibits subsidizing private companies to avoid unfair competition.
Infinitive as a direct object.
Habría sido mejor subsidiar la prevención que pagar por el desastre.
It would have been better to subsidize prevention than to pay for the disaster.
Conditional perfect + infinitive.
El gobierno regional ha dejado de subsidiar las corridas de toros.
The regional government has stopped subsidizing bullfights.
Periphrasis 'dejar de + infinitive'.
Es una falacia creer que se puede subsidiar todo indefinidamente.
It is a fallacy to believe that everything can be subsidized indefinitely.
Impersonal 'se' within an infinitive clause.
La decisión de subsidiar la oferta en lugar de la demanda ha generado controversia.
The decision to subsidize supply instead of demand has generated controversy.
Noun phrase followed by infinitive.
Resulta imperativo subsidiar la transición energética para cumplir con los acuerdos de París.
It is imperative to subsidize the energy transition to comply with the Paris agreements.
Formal adjective 'imperativo'.
El FMI sugirió al país que dejara de subsidiar los combustibles fósiles.
The IMF suggested to the country that it stop subsidizing fossil fuels.
Imperfect subjunctive after a suggestion in the past.
Subsidiar industrias obsoletas solo retrasa el progreso tecnológico inevitable.
Subsidizing obsolete industries only delays inevitable technological progress.
Infinitive as the subject of the sentence.
El estado optó por subsidiar indirectamente el sector a través de exenciones fiscales.
The state chose to indirectly subsidize the sector through tax exemptions.
Adverbial modification (indirectamente).
No se puede pretender subsidiar la ineficiencia empresarial con dinero público.
One cannot expect to subsidize business inefficiency with public money.
Complex verbal chain (poder + pretender + subsidiar).
La medida busca subsidiar el acceso a la cultura para los sectores más vulnerables.
The measure seeks to subsidize access to culture for the most vulnerable sectors.
Abstract direct object (el acceso a la cultura).
Si no se hubiera decidido subsidiar el I+D, la vacuna no habría llegado a tiempo.
If it hadn't been decided to subsidize R&D, the vaccine wouldn't have arrived in time.
Third conditional (past unreal).
La arquitectura fiscal del país permite subsidiar de forma encubierta a las grandes exportadoras.
The country's fiscal architecture allows for the covert subsidizing of large exporters.
Advanced noun phrase (arquitectura fiscal).
Existe un riesgo moral al subsidiar entidades financieras que asumieron riesgos excesivos.
There is a moral hazard in subsidizing financial entities that took excessive risks.
Economic term 'riesgo moral' (moral hazard).
El debate sobre si subsidiar la natalidad es efectivo para revertir el invierno demográfico continúa.
The debate on whether subsidizing the birth rate is effective in reversing the demographic winter continues.
Complex interrogative clause as a subject.
Resulta anacrónico subsidiar la minería en un contexto de descarbonización global.
It is anachronistic to subsidize mining in a context of global decarbonization.
High-level adjective (anacrónico).
La normativa comunitaria restringe la capacidad de los estados miembros para subsidiar su industria nacional.
Community regulations restrict the ability of member states to subsidize their national industry.
Formal legal terminology (normativa comunitaria).
Subsidiar el desempleo de larga duración requiere un enfoque que combine asistencia y formación.
Subsidizing long-term unemployment requires an approach that combines assistance and training.
Gerund-like use of infinitive as subject.
Cualquier intento de subsidiar el precio de la vivienda debe ir acompañado de un aumento de la oferta.
Any attempt to subsidize housing prices must be accompanied by an increase in supply.
Passive periphrasis (debe ir acompañado).
La tentación populista de subsidiar el consumo presente a costa del ahorro futuro es peligrosa.
The populist temptation to subsidize present consumption at the expense of future savings is dangerous.
Sophisticated political-economic critique.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
businessの関連語
a cambio
B1引き換えに。 'ペンと引き換えに本をあげます。'
a cambio de
B1〜と引き換えに。交換や条件を表す際に使われます。
a cargo de
B1〜の担当で；〜を任されて。
a diario
B1「毎日」または「日常的に」という意味です。習慣や日課を説明するのに使われます。
a excepción de
B1〜を除いて；〜以外は。 '彼を除いて、全員が参加した。'
a fin de que
B1目的節を導入するために使われる接続詞で、「～するために」「～するように」を意味します。
a fondo
B1Thoroughly or in depth.
a la vez
B1スペイン語の「a la vez」は、2つ以上のことが同時に起こっている、つまり同時に起こっていることを意味します。並行するアクションを示すために使用されます。
a medida que
B1At the same rate or in the same way as.
a medio plazo
B1中期的に、適度な期間にわたって。
