Subsidiar is the act of providing financial aid to make goods or services more affordable.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To provide financial support to an activity or organization.
- Commonly used for government aid to lower prices.
- Refers to non-repayable economic assistance.
Overview
El verbo 'subsidiar' proviene del latín 'subsidium', que significa ayuda o refuerzo. En el español contemporáneo, se refiere específicamente a la transferencia de fondos públicos o privados para sostener actividades que, de otro modo, no serían rentables o serían inaccesibles para la población general. Es un concepto central en la economía política.
Usage Patterns
Es un verbo transitivo que requiere un objeto directo, que suele ser la actividad, la empresa o el sector que recibe la ayuda. Gramaticalmente, se construye frecuentemente en voz pasiva o con estructuras impersonales cuando se habla de políticas gubernamentales (ej. 'el transporte es subsidiado por el gobierno').
Common Contexts
Se emplea habitualmente en noticias sobre economía, política energética, agricultura y transporte público. Por ejemplo, se habla de subsidiar el precio del combustible para evitar la inflación o de subsidiar la vivienda para familias de bajos ingresos.
Similar Words Comparison
A diferencia de 'donar', que implica un regalo sin condiciones, 'subsidiar' implica un propósito estratégico o de apoyo continuo para mantener una estructura operativa. Mientras que 'financiar' es un término más amplio que puede incluir préstamos con intereses, 'subsidiar' siempre implica un beneficio económico que no requiere devolución, con el fin de abaratar costes.
Examples
El gobierno va a subsidiar el precio del gas este invierno.
everydayThe government is going to subsidize the price of gas this winter.
La empresa fue subsidiada por el Estado durante la crisis.
formalThe company was subsidized by the State during the crisis.
No podemos permitirnos subsidiar sus errores constantemente.
informalWe cannot afford to subsidize their mistakes constantly.
Las políticas agrarias buscan subsidiar la producción local.
academicAgricultural policies seek to subsidize local production.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Precio subsidiado
Subsidized price
Recibir un subsidio
To receive a subsidy
Política de subsidios
Subsidy policy
Often Confused With
Financing usually involves providing capital with the expectation of repayment or profit, whereas subsidizing is a non-repayable grant.
Donating is a charitable act without specific strings attached, while subsidizing is a strategic economic intervention.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Subsidiar is a formal verb, typically used in professional or analytical settings. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing specific economic policies. Always ensure the subject of the action is a legal entity or government.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse 'subsidiar' with 'subsidio' (the noun). Remember that 'subsidiar' is the action. Another mistake is using it to mean 'to pay for everything', whereas it usually implies covering only a part of the cost.
Tips
Focus on the economic context
Remember that this word is almost exclusively used in financial or political contexts. Avoid using it for personal favors between friends.
Do not confuse with invest
Investing implies seeking profit, while subsidizing implies providing support to lower costs. Using them interchangeably leads to misunderstandings in business.
Government role in Spanish-speaking countries
In many Latin American countries, the debate over 'subsidios' for electricity or transport is a central political topic. Understanding this helps interpret local news.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'subsidium', meaning 'reserve troops' or 'help'. It evolved to describe financial aid provided as a reserve or support for a specific cause.
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, subsidies are a major part of the national budget. They represent the social contract between the state and the citizens to maintain access to basic needs.
Memory Tip
Think of the prefix 'sub-' (under) and 'sidiar' (sitting/supporting). The government sits under the price to hold it up so it doesn't fall on the consumer.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsFinanciar implica aportar capital, a menudo con la expectativa de un retorno o pago, mientras que subsidiar es una ayuda directa que busca reducir costes sin esperar una devolución del dinero.
Generalmente, el Estado o los gobiernos son los principales entes que subsidian, aunque también pueden hacerlo fundaciones u organizaciones internacionales.
Sí, es común hablar de subsidiar a individuos a través de becas o ayudas sociales, aunque el término se aplica más frecuentemente a sectores o empresas.
Sí, es un término técnico y formal utilizado principalmente en contextos económicos, periodísticos y gubernamentales.
Test Yourself
El gobierno decidió ___ el transporte público para ayudar a los estudiantes.
Se requiere el infinitivo después de 'decidió'.
¿Qué significa que un producto esté subsidiado?
El subsidio reduce el coste final para el consumidor.
la / el / empresa / gobierno / subsidia / estatal
Sujeto (Gobierno) + Verbo (subsidia) + Objeto (empresa).
Score: /3
Summary
Subsidiar is the act of providing financial aid to make goods or services more affordable.
- To provide financial support to an activity or organization.
- Commonly used for government aid to lower prices.
- Refers to non-repayable economic assistance.
Focus on the economic context
Remember that this word is almost exclusively used in financial or political contexts. Avoid using it for personal favors between friends.
Do not confuse with invest
Investing implies seeking profit, while subsidizing implies providing support to lower costs. Using them interchangeably leads to misunderstandings in business.
Government role in Spanish-speaking countries
In many Latin American countries, the debate over 'subsidios' for electricity or transport is a central political topic. Understanding this helps interpret local news.
Examples
4 of 4El gobierno va a subsidiar el precio del gas este invierno.
The government is going to subsidize the price of gas this winter.
La empresa fue subsidiada por el Estado durante la crisis.
The company was subsidized by the State during the crisis.
No podemos permitirnos subsidiar sus errores constantemente.
We cannot afford to subsidize their mistakes constantly.
Las políticas agrarias buscan subsidiar la producción local.
Agricultural policies seek to subsidize local production.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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acordado
B1Agreed upon or settled by mutual consent.
