Spanish Phrase
Las transferencias internacionales pueden tener comisiones.
Meaning
This phrase means that when you send money across national borders, there's a possibility that the financial institution or service will charge you for the transaction. It highlights the potential for additional costs associated with international money movement, advising caution or awareness.
When to use
You would use this phrase when discussing the costs involved in sending or receiving money from another country. It's particularly useful when advising someone about potential charges, comparing different financial services for international transactions, or explaining why a certain amount was deducted.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lastransferencias internacionalespuedentenercomisiones
Las (The)
This is the feminine plural definite article, matching 'transferencias internacionales' which is also feminine and plural. It specifies that we are talking about 'the' international transfers in general.
Transferencias internacionales (International transfers)
This is a feminine plural noun phrase. 'Transferencias' means transfers, and 'internacionales' is the adjective meaning international, agreeing in number and gender with the noun.
Pueden (Can)
This is the third-person plural conjugation of the verb 'poder' (to be able to, can). It expresses possibility or capability, indicating that fees are a potential, not guaranteed, outcome.
Tener (To have)
This is the infinitive form of the verb 'to have'. When 'poder' is followed by another verb, the second verb remains in its infinitive form, forming a common verbal periphrasis.
Comisiones (Fees/Commissions)
This is a feminine plural noun meaning fees or commissions. It refers to the charges applied to a transaction, often by a bank or financial service.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuánto cuesta enviar dinero a otro país?
How much does it cost to send money to another country?
Ten cuidado, las transferencias internacionales pueden tener comisiones.
Be careful, international transfers can have fees.
✕Common Mistakes
Las transferencias internacionales son tener comisiones.
Using 'ser' (son) here is incorrect. 'Ser' is for inherent qualities or definitions, while 'tener' (to have) is used to express possession or the existence of something. The correct structure is 'poder + tener' for 'can have'.
Las transferencias internacionales pueden cobrar comisiones.
While 'cobrar' means 'to charge', 'tener comisiones' is the more common and natural way to express that a service *has* fees associated with it. 'Cobrar' would typically be used by the entity doing the charging (e.g., 'El banco cobra comisiones').
↔Alternatives
Las transferencias internacionales a veces tienen cargos.
International transfers sometimes have charges.
Es posible que las transferencias internacionales incluyan tarifas.
It's possible that international transfers include tariffs/rates.
Hay costos asociados con las transferencias internacionales.
There are costs associated with international transfers.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, financial transactions, especially international ones, often involve various fees that might not always be immediately obvious. It's common practice to inquire explicitly about 'comisiones' (commissions/fees) or 'cargos' (charges) before initiating a transfer. Transparency around banking fees can vary, so always ask for a clear breakdown to avoid surprises.