While in central Florida assisting a “tía” (aunt) move into an “hogar de ancianos” (retirement home), I noticed that I used 3 Spanish words when I called an “amiga” in Colombia to see if I could send her some money to go pay my utilities so that they don’t cut them off before I return to Colombia. (I have found paying bills online in Latin America to be somewhat complicated compared to paying bills online in the States).

The 3 words that I used when I called my “amiga” in Colombia, I did not learn when I was studying Spanish and still living in the States. But I learned these words after relocating to Latin America — and I find them to be very useful. So that’s why I want to share them with you:

How To Say Jot Down In Spanish

1. Anotar – jot down, write down quickly

Déjeme anotar su dirección y su número de teléfono y yo la contactaré tan pronto como me sea posible.
Let me jot down her address and phone number and I will contact her as soon as I can.

How To Say Bank Transfer In Spanish

2. Giro – bank transfer, Western Union transfer, Money Gram transfer, etc.

Te enviaré el giro mañana.
I will send you the bank transfer tomorrow.

How To Say Utilities In Spanish

3. Servicios públicos (or “servicios” for short)- Utilities “Servicios públicos” literally means public services.

Te van a cortar los servicios.
They are going to cut-off your utilities,