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B1 verb 12 min read

bonificar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bonificar in 30 Seconds

Explanation bonificar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'bonificar' often, but you might see it in shops. Think of it as a special way to say 'give a discount' or 'give a little extra.' If you see 'bonificado' on a price tag or a sign, it means there is a special deal or a lower price for certain people. It comes from the word 'bono' (bonus) or 'bueno' (good). So, it's about 'making the price good.' You can use the simple word 'descuento' instead, but if you want to sound more like a local when shopping in Spain, just remember that 'bonificar' means someone is getting a financial treat or a lower bill. It's a 'plus' for your wallet.

At the A2 level, you should start recognizing 'bonificar' in commercial contexts. You will see it at the supermarket or when looking at bank advertisements. It means 'to grant a bonus or a discount.' For example, if you have a loyalty card, the shop might 'bonificar' your purchase by giving you points or a small percentage back. It is a regular -ar verb, so it is easy to conjugate: 'Yo bonifico,' 'Tú bonificas.' You can use it when talking about your mobile phone plan or a gym membership: 'Si traigo a un amigo, ¿me van a bonificar la cuota?' (If I bring a friend, will they discount my fee?). It’s more formal than 'hacer un descuento' but very useful for daily life and basic transactions.

At the B1 level, 'bonificar' becomes a key word for professional and administrative situations. You are now expected to understand that it’s not just a simple discount, but a formal credit or incentive. It is very common in the workplace. For example, in Spain, companies get 'formación bonificada,' which means the government helps pay for employee training. You might also hear it regarding taxes: 'El ayuntamiento va a bonificar el IBI' (The city council will discount the property tax). At this level, you should distinguish 'bonificar' (to credit/discount) from 'beneficiar' (to benefit). Use 'bonificar' when money, taxes, or official points are involved. It shows you have a grasp of business-related vocabulary and can handle more complex interactions with banks or government offices.

At the B2 level, you should use 'bonificar' with precision in professional, legal, and economic discussions. You understand that it refers to a specific administrative mechanism where a cost is reduced or a credit is applied as an incentive. You will encounter it in news articles about fiscal policy, such as 'bonificaciones fiscales' (tax breaks) or 'cuotas bonificadas de la Seguridad Social' (subsidized social security payments). You should be comfortable using it in the passive voice ('esta actividad está bonificada') and as a noun ('la bonificación'). At this stage, you should also know related terms like 'bonificación por no siniestralidad' in insurance. It is a hallmark of a student who can navigate the Spanish corporate and legal landscape without relying on generic verbs like 'dar' or 'ayudar.'

At the C1 level, your use of 'bonificar' should reflect an understanding of its nuanced applications in law, macroeconomics, and high-level corporate finance. You recognize it as a tool for public policy—how states use 'bonificaciones' to steer the economy (e.g., bonificar the hiring of specific demographics). You are aware of its use in legal contexts, such as 'bonificar la pena' (reducing a sentence). You can discuss the fiscal implications of 'bonificaciones vs. deducciones' (discounts vs. deductions) with clarity. Your vocabulary includes collocations like 'bonificar íntegramente' (to discount fully) or 'bonificación potestativa' (optional discount). At this level, 'bonificar' is not just a word for a discount; it’s a specific economic action that you can analyze and explain in detail using sophisticated sentence structures.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'bonificar,' using it effortlessly in specialized fields such as tax law, labor relations, or insurance actuarial science. You understand the historical and etymological roots that connect it to the concept of 'improving' a situation or a balance. You can use it metaphorically in high-level literature or academic essays to describe the 'crediting' of merits or virtues, although its primary use remains technical. You are capable of drafting formal contracts or policy proposals that utilize 'bonificaciones' as strategic incentives. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic documents from the 'Boletín Oficial del Estado' (BOE) where 'bonificar' is defined with strict legal parameters. Your mastery is such that you can explain the subtle difference between a 'bonificación,' a 'reducción,' and an 'exención' to other learners with absolute precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bonificar in 30 Seconds

Bonificar is a professional Spanish verb meaning to grant a bonus, discount, or credit.
It is primarily used in banking, tax, and employment contexts to describe financial incentives.
The word comes from 'bono' (bonus) and implies a quantifiable benefit or reduction in cost.
It is a regular -ar verb and is often seen in the passive form 'bonificado' (subsidized).

The Spanish verb bonificar is a multifaceted term primarily residing in the realms of finance, commerce, and human resources. At its core, it refers to the act of granting a benefit, a discount, or a bonus to someone. Unlike the general verb 'recompensar' (to reward), bonificar often carries a technical or administrative weight, frequently appearing in bank statements, tax documents, and employment contracts. When an entity decides to bonificar an amount, they are essentially reducing a cost or adding a credit to an account as a form of incentive or correction.

Commercial Context: In retail and business-to-business transactions, to bonificar means to apply a discount or a rebate based on volume, loyalty, or specific promotions. For example, a supplier might bonificar a purchase if the client orders over a certain threshold of units.
Labor and HR Context: In the workplace, it refers to paying a 'bono' (bonus) or an extra incentive. It is also used when the government reduces the Social Security contributions an employer must pay for certain types of employees, such as hiring youth or people with disabilities.
Administrative Context: Governments use this word when they offer tax breaks or subsidies. If you install solar panels, the city council might bonificar your property tax (IBI) by a certain percentage.

El banco decidió bonificar las comisiones de mantenimiento a los clientes que domicilien su nómina.

Understanding the nuance of bonificar requires recognizing it as a formal action. You wouldn't typically use it when giving a casual gift to a friend; instead, you use it when a system, a company, or a law provides a quantifiable benefit. It is synonymous with 'premiar' in terms of intent, but with 'descontar' in terms of financial mechanics. In Spain, you will see this word constantly in the news regarding 'cuotas bonificadas,' which are subsidized rates for freelancers or businesses. It represents a 'win-win' scenario where the payer pays less or the receiver gets more due to meeting specific criteria.

Si compras tres unidades, la tienda te va a bonificar el envío, haciéndolo totalmente gratuito.

La seguridad social suele bonificar la contratación de trabajadores jóvenes para reducir el desempleo juvenil.

The word is also extremely common in loyalty programs. If you have a credit card that gives you points or cashback, the bank is essentially bonificando your purchases. In this sense, it bridges the gap between 'discounting' and 'rewarding.' It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object—you bonificar 'something' (the price, the tax, the fee) or you bonificar 'someone' (the client, the worker). Its usage is a sign of a professional or intermediate level of Spanish, as beginners often rely on simpler verbs like 'dar' or 'bajar.'

Es posible bonificar parte del impuesto de sucesiones si se cumplen ciertos requisitos de parentesco.

Las empresas que invierten en formación pueden bonificar estos costes en sus cuotas mensuales.

Using bonificar correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure as a regular -ar verb and its typical direct objects. In most cases, the direct object is either the amount being discounted or the person receiving the benefit. It is very common in the passive voice ('ser bonificado') or in its participial form used as an adjective ('bonificado/a').

As a Transitive Verb (Direct Object: The Amount): When the object is the money or fee: 'La empresa va a bonificar el 50% del transporte.' (The company will discount 50% of the transport cost.)
As a Transitive Verb (Direct Object: The Person): When the object is the recipient: 'El estado bonificará a los autónomos que empiecen su actividad este año.' (The state will give a bonus/discount to the self-employed who start their activity this year.)

One of the most frequent patterns is bonificar algo a alguien (to credit/bonus something to someone). This allows for clarity in who is receiving what. For example, 'El supermercado bonifica diez euros a los clientes que traigan sus propias bolsas.' This sentence clearly shows the reward (10 euros) and the recipient (the customers).

Si pagas con tarjeta de crédito, te van a bonificar un 2% de todas tus compras en gasolineras.

In business Spanish, you will often encounter the term 'formación bonificada.' This refers to employee training programs that companies can pay for using the credit they have with the Social Security system. Here, bonificar acts as the mechanism by which the company 'gets back' the money spent on education. You might say, 'Vamos a bonificar este curso de inglés a través de Fundae.' (We are going to subsidize/bonus this English course through Fundae.)

¿Sabe usted si el ayuntamiento va a bonificar el recibo del agua para las familias numerosas?

Another common usage is in the context of legal sentences or prison time, though this is more specific to legal jargon. To bonificar la pena means to reduce a sentence due to good behavior or work performed while incarcerated. While less common for the average traveler, it is a standard term in legal news. 'El juez decidió bonificar la condena del reo por su colaboración con la justicia.'

Para fomentar el uso del transporte público, el gobierno decidió bonificar el precio de los abonos mensuales.

No olvides presentar la solicitud a tiempo si quieres que te puedan bonificar la tasa de matrícula.

Common Object Pairs: - Bonificar la cuota (to bonus/reduce the fee)
- Bonificar el interés (to reduce the interest rate)
- Bonificar la compra (to reward the purchase)
- Bonificar el esfuerzo (to reward the effort - more metaphorical)

When using it in a sentence about discounts, it feels more professional than 'hacer un descuento.' If a car salesperson says 'Le vamos a bonificar el equipamiento extra,' it sounds like a formal corporate concession rather than just a haggled price drop. This makes it a powerful word for professional negotiations and formal writing.

If you are living in a Spanish-speaking country, particularly Spain, you will encounter bonificar in several specific daily scenarios. It is not a 'slang' word, but rather a 'functional' word that governs your financial interactions with institutions.

At the Bank: Banks use this word to describe the benefits of their accounts. You’ll see signs saying 'Cuenta con nómina bonificada.' This means that if you deposit your salary there, the bank will waive fees or give you a higher interest rate. The teller might say: 'Si contrata el seguro de vida con nosotros, le podemos bonificar el diferencial de su hipoteca.'
In the News (Economics Section): When the government introduces new economic measures, bonificar is a headline favorite. 'El Gobierno bonificará 20 céntimos por litro de combustible.' This was a very common phrase in Spain during the energy crisis. It implies a direct subsidy at the point of sale.
At Work: HR managers use it when discussing benefits packages. 'La empresa bonifica el seguro médico privado para todos los empleados con más de dos años de antigüedad.' It sounds more formal and institutional than saying 'la empresa paga.'

Muchos ayuntamientos deciden bonificar el impuesto de circulación para los vehículos eléctricos.

In the context of 'puntos' (loyalty points), you will hear this word in supermarkets like Carrefour or Mercadona. 'Al comprar este producto, se le va a bonificar un 10% en su cheque ahorro.' This means the 10% isn't taken off the price immediately, but added as a credit for future use. This distinction is key: bonificar often implies a credit that is applied to a balance rather than a simple price reduction at the register.

You might also hear it in academic settings regarding scholarships or fee waivers. 'La universidad puede bonificar la matrícula a los alumnos con mejores expedientes.' In this case, it functions as a merit-based discount. It carries a connotation of 'earning' the benefit through a specific action or status (being a student, being a large family, being a loyal customer).

Es importante revisar si tu comunidad autónoma suele bonificar el alquiler para jóvenes menores de 35 años.

Finally, in the world of insurance, 'bonificación por no siniestralidad' is a standard phrase. It refers to the discount you get on your premium if you don't have any accidents. The insurance agent will say: 'Si no tiene accidentes este año, le vamos a bonificar la prima del año que viene.' This is perhaps the most common way the word enters the average person's life—through their car or home insurance policy.

The most frequent error English speakers make with bonificar is confusing it with its 'false friend' cousin beneficiar. While they share a root and a general positive vibe, their grammatical usage and specific meanings differ significantly.

Bonificar vs. Beneficiar: Beneficiar: To benefit or help someone in a general sense. 'El sol beneficia a las plantas.' (The sun benefits the plants.)
Bonificar: To grant a specific, quantifiable credit, discount, or bonus. 'El banco va a bonificar mi cuenta.' (The bank will credit/bonus my account.)

Another common mistake is using bonificar when you simply mean 'to pay.' While a bonus is a payment, bonificar implies the 'extra' or 'discounted' nature of the transaction. You wouldn't say 'Voy a bonificar la cena' if you are just paying for dinner. You would only use it if there was some sort of promotional credit or special discount being applied to the bill.

Incorrecto: Esta medicina va a bonificar tu salud.
Correcto: Esta medicina va a beneficiar tu salud.

Learners also struggle with the passive voice. In English, we say 'The course is subsidized.' In Spanish, people often try to say 'El curso es subsidiado,' which is correct but less common in a business context than 'El curso está bonificado.' Using the wrong auxiliary verb or forgetting the 'ado/ada' ending can lead to confusion. Remember: 'El curso está bonificado por la seguridad social.'

Finally, watch out for the reflexive usage. While you can say 'beneficiarse de algo' (to benefit from something), 'bonificarse' is rarely used reflexively. You don't 'bonificar yourself'—rather, an entity (a bank, a company, a law) bonifica you or your account. If you say 'Me bonifiqué,' it sounds like you are the bank granting yourself a discount, which is logically odd in most contexts.

Incorrecto: El cliente se bonificó el descuento.
Correcto: El banco le bonificó el descuento al cliente.

In summary, keep bonificar in the box of 'financial/official discounts and rewards' and use beneficiar or premiar for general help or emotional rewards. This distinction will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise, especially in professional environments.

Because bonificar is quite specific, it’s helpful to know its neighbors in the Spanish vocabulary to choose the right tool for the job. Depending on whether you are talking about a discount, a reward, or a legal reduction, you might use one of these alternatives.

Descontar: This is the most direct synonym for 'to discount.' While bonificar sounds like a formal credit, descontar is the physical act of taking money off the price. 'Me descontaron cinco euros' is what happens at the cash register. 'Me bonificaron cinco euros' sounds like it was applied to your loyalty card or account balance.
Gratificar: This means to tip or to give a small financial reward for a service. It is more personal than bonificar. You 'gratificas' a waiter or a person who found your lost dog. You 'bonificas' an employee's performance based on a corporate contract.
Subvencionar: To subsidize. This is used when the government or an organization pays for part of a cost. While bonificar is a reduction in a payment you owe, subvencionar is often a grant given to you to cover an expense. They are very close in the context of 'formación bonificada' vs 'formación subvencionada.'
Recompensar: To reward. This is the broad, general term. It can be financial, emotional, or physical. 'Recompensar el esfuerzo' is common. Bonificar is the specific financial mechanism used to 'recompensar' in a business setting.

When comparing bonificar to rebajar, the latter is much more common in retail sales (las rebajas). You 'rebajas' the price of a coat during January. You 'bonificas' the price of a coat if the customer has a membership card. One is a general price drop; the other is a targeted benefit.

En lugar de rebajar el producto para todos, la marca prefiere bonificar solo a sus clientes más fieles.

In a legal or tax context, you might see eximir (to exempt). To 'eximir' means you don't have to pay at all (100% reduction), whereas to 'bonificar' usually implies a percentage or partial reduction. 'Está exento de impuestos' (He is tax-exempt) vs 'Tiene el impuesto bonificado al 50%' (His tax is discounted by 50%).

El seguro no te va a regalar nada, pero sí te puede bonificar si demuestras que eres un conductor seguro.

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate Spanish bureaucracy and commerce with confidence. Use bonificar when you want to sound precise about credits and official discounts, and you'll immediately sound like a more advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-ficar' is used in many Spanish verbs to mean 'to make' or 'to turn into,' such as 'simplificar' (to make simple) or 'purificar' (to make pure). So, 'bonificar' is literally 'to make something good' for your bank account!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bo.ni.fi.'kaɾ/

US /bo.ni.fi.'kaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable 'kar' because it ends in 'r'.

Rhymes With

Hablar Cantar Caminar Llegar Aceptar Comprar Pagar Ganar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'b' like a hard English 'b' (it should be softer between vowels).
Putting stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., bo-NI-fi-kar).
Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'sit' (it should be 'ee').
Not tapping the 'r' at the end.
Confusing it with 'beneficiar' in speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and contracts, but easy to recognize due to 'bonus' root.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of transitive structure and formal context.

Speaking 3/5

Regular conjugation makes it easy to say once you know the meaning.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, often found in professional settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Descuento Pagar Dinero Banco Empresa

Learn Next

Subvencionar Exención Deducir Devengar Fiscalidad

Advanced

Amortizar Liquidar Gravar Condonar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Yo bonifico, Tú bonificas, Él bonifica...

Passive voice with 'ser'

La cuota fue bonificada por el gobierno.

Impersonal 'se' for general rules

Se bonificará el 10% a los nuevos socios.

Subjunctive after 'para que'

Hago esto para que me bonifiquen la tasa.

Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns

El banco ME LA bonificó (la comisión).

Examples by Level

La tienda va a bonificar tu compra hoy.

The store is going to discount your purchase today.

Simple transitive use: Subject + va a + infinitive + object.

¿Me puedes bonificar el precio?

Can you discount the price for me?

Question form with 'poder' + infinitive.

Ellos bonifican a los buenos clientes.

They reward good customers.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

El supermercado bonifica dos euros.

The supermarket discounts two euros.

Direct object is the amount of money.

Quiero bonificar mi tarjeta de puntos.

I want to add credit to my points card.

Infinitive after the verb 'querer'.

La empresa bonifica el transporte.

The company pays/discounts the transport.

Common usage for employee benefits.

Hoy bonificamos el envío a casa.

Today we are discounting home delivery (making it free).

1st person plural (we).

Es bueno bonificar el trabajo bien hecho.

It is good to reward work well done.

Impersonal 'Es bueno' + infinitive.

Si compras dos, te bonificamos la tercera unidad.

If you buy two, we'll give you the third unit for free/discounted.

Conditional 'si' clause + present tense.

El banco no me quiere bonificar las comisiones.

The bank doesn't want to waive my fees.

Negative sentence with 'querer' + infinitive.

¿Cómo puedo bonificar mi saldo?

How can I get a credit on my balance?

Interrogative 'Cómo' + 'poder' + infinitive.

La gasolinera bonifica cinco céntimos por litro.

The gas station discounts five cents per liter.

Specific amount per unit of measure.

Nos van a bonificar el recibo de la luz.

They are going to discount our electricity bill.

Indirect object pronoun 'nos' (to us).

La aplicación bonifica a los usuarios nuevos.

The app rewards new users.

Direct object is 'los usuarios nuevos'.

Tengo que bonificar los puntos antes de que caduquen.

I have to redeem/credit the points before they expire.

Periphrasis 'tener que' + infinitive.

Esta oferta bonifica el 10% de tu gasto.

This offer discounts 10% of your spending.

Subject is 'Esta oferta'.

El Estado decidió bonificar la cuota de los nuevos autónomos.

The State decided to discount the fee for new self-employed people.

Past tense 'decidió' + infinitive. Focus on administrative context.

Si domicilias tu nómina, el banco te bonificará el mantenimiento.

If you direct deposit your salary, the bank will waive the maintenance fee.

Future tense 'bonificará' used for a promise/condition.

Es posible bonificar este curso a través de la formación continua.

It is possible to subsidize this course through continuous training.

Administrative term 'formación bonificada'.

La empresa bonifica el rendimiento extra de sus empleados.

The company rewards the extra performance of its employees.

Focus on HR/Labor context.

Muchos ayuntamientos bonifican el IBI a las familias numerosas.

Many city councils discount the property tax for large families.

Plural present tense. Use of acronym 'IBI'.

¿Sabes si van a bonificar el uso del transporte público?

Do you know if they are going to subsidize the use of public transport?

Indirect question.

El seguro me ha bonificado por no tener accidentes este año.

The insurance has given me a discount for not having accidents this year.

Present perfect tense 'ha bonificado'.

No podemos bonificar esta factura porque ya está vencida.

We cannot discount this invoice because it is already overdue.

Negative possibility.

La nueva ley pretende bonificar fiscalmente a las empresas sostenibles.

The new law aims to provide tax breaks to sustainable companies.

Adverbial use 'fiscalmente' (fiscally).

El contrato estipula que se bonificará el 5% por pronto pago.

The contract stipulates that a 5% discount will be granted for early payment.

Passive 'se bonificará' (impersonal se).

Al ser un cliente preferente, le vamos a bonificar el tipo de interés.

As you are a preferred client, we are going to reduce your interest rate.

Gerund 'Al ser' (Being/As you are).

La Seguridad Social bonifica la contratación indefinida de jóvenes.

Social Security subsidizes the permanent hiring of young people.

Specific legal/labor terminology.

Es necesario solicitar la ayuda para que puedan bonificar la tasa.

It is necessary to apply for the aid so they can discount the fee.

Subjunctive 'puedan' after 'para que'.

La compañía aérea bonifica las millas acumuladas durante el año.

The airline credits/rewards the miles accumulated during the year.

Transitive use in a commercial loyalty context.

Si el proyecto tiene éxito, se bonificará a todo el equipo técnico.

If the project is successful, the entire technical team will be rewarded/bonused.

Future passive with 'se'.

Hubo una campaña para bonificar el reciclaje de electrodomésticos viejos.

There was a campaign to reward the recycling of old appliances.

Past tense 'Hubo' + noun phrase.

El gobierno regional ha decidido bonificar al 99% el impuesto de sucesiones.

The regional government has decided to discount the inheritance tax by 99%.

High-level tax terminology. 'Al 99%' indicates the scale.

La entidad financiera suele bonificar el diferencial en función de la vinculación del cliente.

The financial entity usually discounts the spread based on the client's loyalty/engagement.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'diferencial', 'vinculación'.

Las empresas pueden bonificar sus costes de formación en las liquidaciones mensuales.

Companies can credit their training costs in their monthly settlements.

Term 'liquidaciones mensuales' (monthly settlements).

Se prevé bonificar la inversión en I+D para fomentar la competitividad.

It is planned to subsidize/reward investment in R&D to promote competitiveness.

Passive 'Se prevé' + infinitive. Use of 'I+D' (R&D).

La normativa permite bonificar ciertos tramos de la base imponible.

The regulations allow for the discounting of certain sections of the tax base.

Technical tax term 'base imponible'.

El juez puede bonificar la estancia en prisión si el reo realiza trabajos comunitarios.

The judge can reduce the prison stay if the inmate performs community service.

Legal context: 'bonificar la estancia/pena'.

La aerolínea se comprometió a bonificar el retraso con vales de descuento.

The airline committed to compensating the delay with discount vouchers.

Reflexive 'se comprometió a'.

Es imperativo bonificar la excelencia académica para retener el talento joven.

It is imperative to reward academic excellence to retain young talent.

Formal structure 'Es imperativo' + infinitive.

La arquitectura fiscal del país permite bonificar las plusvalías generadas a largo plazo.

The country's fiscal architecture allows for the discounting of long-term capital gains.

Advanced economics: 'arquitectura fiscal', 'plusvalías'.

La administración central optó por bonificar la transición energética mediante incentivos directos.

The central administration opted to subsidize the energy transition through direct incentives.

High-level policy discussion.

Resulta complejo bonificar el mérito individual en una estructura tan jerarquizada.

It proves complex to reward individual merit in such a hierarchical structure.

Abstract usage of the verb.

El tratado internacional incluye cláusulas para bonificar el comercio de bienes culturales.

The international treaty includes clauses to incentivize the trade of cultural goods.

Diplomatic and legal context.

Se ha procedido a bonificar de oficio las tasas de aquellos que sufrieron la catástrofe.

The fees of those who suffered the catastrophe have been discounted automatically/by the administration.

Legal term 'de oficio' (automatically/by duty).

La empresa matriz decidió bonificar las pérdidas de sus filiales durante el primer trimestre.

The parent company decided to credit/offset the losses of its subsidiaries during the first quarter.

Corporate finance: 'empresa matriz', 'filiales'.

La política de precios debe bonificar la fidelidad sin comprometer el margen de beneficio.

The pricing policy must reward loyalty without compromising the profit margin.

Strategic business discussion.

No se puede bonificar la negligencia bajo ningún concepto en este marco normativo.

Negligence cannot be rewarded/offset under any circumstances within this regulatory framework.

Strong negative assertion in a formal context.

Common Collocations

Bonificar la cuota

Bonificar el interés

Bonificar comisiones

Bonificar el transporte

Bonificar fiscalmente

Bonificar la matrícula

Bonificar el precio

Bonificar la formación

Bonificar la estancia

Bonificar la pena

Common Phrases

Formación bonificada

— Subsidized training for employees paid via Social Security credits.

Nuestra empresa ofrece formación bonificada en idiomas.

Cuota bonificada

— A reduced or subsidized fee, common for self-employed starters.

Tengo una cuota bonificada de 80 euros al mes.

Impuesto bonificado

— A tax that has been partially or fully discounted by the authorities.

El impuesto de sucesiones está bonificado en esta región.

Interés bonificado

— A lower interest rate granted because of meeting certain conditions.

Mi hipoteca tiene un interés bonificado del 1.5%.

Gasto bonificable

— An expense that qualifies for a tax break or a refund.

¿Es este gasto bonificable en la declaración de la renta?

Bonificar al 100%

— To fully discount or make something free.

El ayuntamiento va a bonificar al 100% el transporte este mes.

Bonificar por puntos

— To reward a purchase with loyalty points.

La tarjeta bonifica por puntos cada euro gastado.

Bonificar la nómina

— To provide benefits or waive fees because a salary is deposited.

Si vienes a nuestro banco, te vamos a bonificar la nómina.

Bonificar el esfuerzo

— To reward hard work (more metaphorical but common in HR).

Queremos bonificar el esfuerzo de los que terminaron el proyecto.

Entidad bonificadora

— The institution or entity that grants the discount/bonus.

El banco actúa como la entidad bonificadora en este caso.

Often Confused With

bonificar vs Beneficiar

Beneficiar is general help; Bonificar is a specific financial credit/discount.

bonificar vs Abonar

Abonar means to pay or to credit; Bonificar means to discount or to give a bonus.

bonificar vs Descontar

Descontar is the simple act of subtracting money; Bonificar is the formal granting of a benefit.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bonificar la cara"

— This is not a standard idiom; 'bonificar' is too technical for most idiomatic expressions. However, in some niche business circles, it might jokingly mean 'to put a good face/bonus on a bad situation.'

Intentaron bonificar la cara de la crisis con pequeños descuentos.

Jargon/Informal

"Tenerlo todo bonificado"

— To have all expenses covered or discounted by others.

Juan vive muy bien, lo tiene todo bonificado por su empresa.

Colloquial

Easily Confused

bonificar vs Beneficiar

They sound similar and both mean 'something good.'

Beneficiar is transitive or reflexive and refers to general well-being. Bonificar is transitive and refers to financial rewards.

Hacer ejercicio beneficia (helps) tu salud. El banco bonifica (discounts) tu cuota.

bonificar vs Bono

It's the noun root of the verb.

Bono is the voucher or bond. Bonificar is the action of applying that bonus.

Tengo un bono (voucher). El cajero lo va a bonificar (apply/credit it).

bonificar vs Gratificar

Both involve giving money as a reward.

Gratificar is more like a tip or a personal reward. Bonificar is institutional and contractual.

Gratifiqué al camarero. La empresa bonificó mis ventas.

bonificar vs Subvencionar

Both mean the government pays for something.

Subvencionar is often a grant given to you. Bonificar is a reduction in what you owe.

El estado subvenciona el cine. El estado bonifica mi cuota de autónomo.

bonificar vs Abonar

Both are used in banking for adding money.

Abonar is just 'to put money in.' Bonificar is 'to put money in because of a reward/discount.'

Aboné 100 euros a mi cuenta. El banco me bonificó 5 euros por mi nómina.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujeto] + bonifica + [Cantidad] + a + [Persona]

El banco bonifica diez euros a los clientes.

[Sujeto] + va a + bonificar + [Sustantivo]

La empresa va a bonificar el transporte.

Se + bonificará + [Sustantivo]

Se bonificará el 5% por pronto pago.

[Sustantivo] + está + bonificado/a + por + [Agente]

El curso está bonificado por la seguridad social.

Bonificar + [Sustantivo] + en función de + [Criterio]

Bonificar el interés en función de la nómina.

Proceder a + bonificar + [Sustantivo]

La administración procede a bonificar las tasas.

Bonificar + [Sustantivo] + íntegramente

Decidieron bonificar la deuda íntegramente.

¿Se puede + bonificar + [Sustantivo]?

¿Se puede bonificar la matrícula?

Word Family

Nouns

Bonificación (The bonus/discount itself)

Bono (The bond or voucher)

Bonificador (The person/entity that bonuses)

Verbs

Bonificar

Adjectives

Bonificado (Discounted/Rewarded)

Bonificable (Eligible for a bonus/discount)

Bueno

Bondad

Bonanza

Beneficio

Bien

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specialized contexts (finance, labor, law), moderate in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'bonificar' for health benefits. → El ejercicio beneficia la salud.
Bonificar is for financial/quantifiable rewards. Beneficiar is for general benefits.
Saying 'me bonifiqué' for a personal favor. → Me hizo un favor.
Bonificar is institutional. You don't 'bonus-ify' yourself for a favor.
Confusing 'bono' and 'bonificar'. → Voy a usar el bono para bonificar mi cuenta.
Bono is the noun (the voucher); Bonificar is the action.
Using 'bonificar' instead of 'pagar' for a normal bill. → Voy a pagar la cuenta.
You only 'bonificar' if there is a discount or credit involved.
Misplacing the stress on 'bonificar'. → bo-ni-fi-KAR
Verbs ending in 'r' are stressed on the last syllable.

Tips

Professional Tone

Use 'bonificar' when writing to your bank or employer. It sounds much more professional than 'dar un descuento' or 'bajar el precio'.

Banking Tip

Look for the word 'bonificada' on bank account descriptions. It usually means you get something extra if you meet certain conditions, like depositing your salary.

Direct Objects

Remember that the thing being discounted is the direct object. 'El banco bonifica (qué?) las comisiones'.

Avoid False Friends

Never use 'bonificar' to mean 'to benefit' someone's health or spirit. Use 'beneficiar' for that.

Legal Nuance

In a legal context, 'bonificar' can mean reducing a prison sentence. It’s a very formal term used by judges.

Loyalty Programs

If a shop offers to 'bonificar' your purchase, ask if it's a direct discount or points for next time. Usually, it's points or credit.

Employee Benefits

If you are negotiating a job in Spain, ask about 'formación bonificada' to see if they will pay for your Spanish classes!

Bonus Root

Just remember: Bonificar = Bonus-ify. If it’s like a bonus, it’s 'bonificar'.

Stress the End

Always stress the 'kar' at the end. bo-ni-fi-KAR.

Tax Season

During tax season, look for 'bonificaciones' in the law to see if you can pay less.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'BON' in 'BONUS'. When you 'BON-ificar', you 'BON-us' someone's account. It's the action of giving a bonus.

Visual Association

Imagine a green 'plus' sign (+) being stamped onto a bank statement or a bill. That stamp is the act of bonificar.

Word Web

Bono Descuento Dinero Banco Empresa Impuesto Recompensa Crédito

Challenge

Try to use 'bonificar' in a sentence about your favorite store's loyalty program today. 'Mi tienda favorita me va a bonificar...'

Word Origin

From the Latin 'bonus' (good) and the suffix '-ficar' (from 'facere', meaning to make).

Original meaning: Literally 'to make good' or 'to improve.'

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but remember it is a formal/technical word. Using it for a small personal favor might sound overly 'business-like' or even sarcastic.

In English, we often use different verbs like 'waive,' 'credit,' 'discount,' or 'subsidize.' Spanish speakers use 'bonificar' as a catch-all for these formal financial actions.

The 'BOE' (Boletín Oficial del Estado) in Spain is full of 'bonificaciones' for different social groups. Bank advertisements for 'Cuentas Bonificadas' are ubiquitous in Madrid and Barcelona subway stations. Insurance commercials often highlight 'bonificaciones por no siniestralidad' (safe driver discounts).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Banking

Bonificar comisiones
Interés bonificado
Bonificar la nómina
Cuenta bonificada

Human Resources

Bonificar el rendimiento
Formación bonificada
Bonificar la antigüedad
Plus bonificado

Taxes

Bonificar el impuesto
Cuota bonificada
Bonificación fiscal
Tramo bonificado

Retail/Shopping

Bonificar la compra
Puntos bonificados
Bonificar el envío
Cheque bonificado

Insurance

Bonificación por no siniestralidad
Bonificar la prima
Año bonificado
Escala de bonificación

Conversation Starters

"¿Sabes si tu banco te suele bonificar las comisiones de mantenimiento?"

"¿Has aprovechado alguna vez la formación bonificada que ofrece tu empresa?"

"¿Crees que el gobierno debería bonificar más el transporte público?"

"¿Te han bonificado alguna vez en el seguro del coche por no tener accidentes?"

"¿Qué requisitos piden en este ayuntamiento para bonificar el IBI?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una situación en la que una empresa te haya bonificado por ser un cliente fiel.

Escribe sobre las ventajas de que el estado decida bonificar la contratación de jóvenes.

¿Qué opinas de los sistemas de puntos que bonifican las compras en los supermercados?

Imagina que eres el dueño de una empresa. ¿Cómo decidirías bonificar a tus empleados?

Investiga y escribe sobre qué impuestos se pueden bonificar en tu ciudad actual.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Descontar is the general action of taking money off a price (e.g., a 20% sale). Bonificar is more formal and often implies a credit given as a reward or incentive, like points on a card or a tax break. For example, you 'descontar' at a shop, but a bank 'bonifica' your interest rate.

Yes, you can 'bonificar a alguien.' It means to grant that person a bonus or discount. For example: 'La empresa bonificará a los empleados más productivos.' It is common in HR and administrative contexts.

In Spain, it refers to courses for employees that are 'free' for the company because the cost is deducted (bonificado) from the Social Security payments the company already makes. It's a way for the government to encourage worker training.

Yes, it is a completely regular -ar verb. It follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'caminar' in all tenses (bonifico, bonifiqué, bonificaré, etc.).

It's used to describe something that has a discount or subsidy. Common examples include 'precio bonificado' (discounted price) or 'interés bonificado' (reduced interest rate).

It is grammatically possible but very rare. Usually, an external entity (a bank, a company) does the action. You would more likely say 'me bonificaron' (they bonused me) or 'obtuve una bonificación' (I got a bonus).

Yes, although it is extremely common in Spain due to specific administrative terms like 'formación bonificada.' In Latin America, it is also used in banking and business, though 'premiar' or 'descontar' might be heard more in casual speech.

The noun is 'bonificación.' For example: 'He recibido una bonificación de 50 euros en mi nómina.'

They are very close. 'Subsidiar' usually means the government gives money for a service. 'Bonificar' usually means an entity reduces a charge or adds a credit. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.

You can say 'bonificación fiscal' or 'bonificar impuestos.' For example: 'El estado decidió bonificar el impuesto de sociedades.'