English Business Vocabulary: Money and Finance
Sabrena Doherty 
INTRODUCTION
As an English language learner navigating the professional world, being able to discuss money, finance and budgets is crucial.
Whether you're participating in meetings, negotiating deals, or simply discussing financial matters with colleagues, having a strong grasp of financial vocabulary is essential.
In this blog, we'll explore why it's important to be fluent in finance and budgeting language, and we'll cover key terms and phrases to help you excel in your workplace discussions.
If you prefer to watch / listen:
Why Being Able to Talk about Money & Finance Matters
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Understanding finance and budgeting terminology is not only beneficial for those working directly in finance-related roles but also for professionals across various industries.
Here's why:
Effective Communication: Clear communication is vital in any workplace setting. Being able to discuss financial matters confidently and accurately ensures that everyone is on the same page, leading to better decision-making and smoother operations.
Professional Growth: Demonstrating proficiency in finance and budgeting language showcases your competency and professionalism to employers and colleagues. It can open up opportunities for advancement and leadership roles within your organization.
Building Relationships: In many workplaces, discussions around money and budgets are inevitable. By understanding and participating in these conversations, you can build stronger relationships with coworkers, clients, and stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration.
Now, let's dive into some essential financial vocabulary that will help you navigate discussions about money and budgets in the workplace.
FINANCIAL VOCABULARY
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To Lend (dejar prestado) and Borrow (prestar):
When someone lends money, they give it to another person with the expectation of getting it back. For example, "The bank lends us money for a new car."
On the other hand, borrowing money means taking money from someone else with the intention of returning it later. For instance, "We borrow money from the bank for a new car."
Mortgage (hipoteca):
A mortgage is a loan specifically for purchasing a property, such as a house.
Currency (divisa):
Currency refers to the type of money used in a particular country or region, such as euros, dollars, or pounds.
To Obtain Profits (Beneficios):
Profits are the financial gains obtained after deducting expenses from revenue.
To Gain (Ganar):
The verb "ganar" has various meanings in English, including:
To earn money or respect.
To win races, prizes, or the lottery.
To gain weight, prestige, authority, or respect.
To Lose (Perder) and Exchange Money (intercambiar):
"Lose" means to experience a loss, such as losing money in the stock market.
Exchanging money involves converting one currency into another, often when travelling abroad.
Ingresar (To Lodge Money) and Sacar (To Withdraw):
"Lodge" refers to depositing or putting money into a bank account, while "withdraw" means taking money out.
For example, "Yesterday, I lodged €100 into my bank account," or "Today, I withdrew €50 from my account."
To Make a Transfer and To Save (Ahorrar):
Transferring money involves moving funds from one account to another, often between different banks or accounts.
Saving money means setting aside a portion of your income for future use, such as in a savings account or investment.
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To Spend (Gastar):
"Gastar" refers to using money to purchase goods or services. E.g. “I spent 100 euro on dinner out last night.”
To afford (Permitirse):
"To afford" means having the financial means to afford something. We usually use with can or can´t.
For example, "I can't afford a new car right now."
To Invest (Invertir) and Investment (Inversión):
"Invest" means to put money into something with the expectation of earning a return, while "investment" refers to the act of investing.
Investing in the stock market or real estate are common examples of investments.
The Stock Market (La Bolsa) and Shares (Acciones):
The stock market is where shares of publicly-traded companies are bought and sold.
Shares, also known as stocks, represent ownership in a company, and those who own shares are called shareholders or accionistas.
PHRASES TO TALK ABOUT MONEY
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As a professional, sometimes you may need to discuss or negotiate a budget with clients.
The following phrases are useful to know.
Phrases for Budget Negotiation:
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CONCLUSION
By familiarizing yourself with these financial terms and phrases, you'll be better equipped to participate in discussions about money, budgets, and investments in the workplace. Practice using them in context, and soon you'll feel more confident navigating financial conversations with colleagues and clients alike.
Remember, mastering financial vocabulary is not only beneficial for your professional growth but also for building strong relationships and contributing effectively to your organization's success. So, keep learning and expanding your language skills, and watch as your confidence in discussing finance and budgeting grows!
Further resources:
If you work in sales, you need to know this vocabulary: ESSENTIAL SALES VOCABULARY
If you need to know how to negotiate in English: HOW TO IMPROVE NEGOTIATING SKILLS IN ENGLISH
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