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Spanish Phrase

Tienes derecho a que te devuelvan el dinero.

/ˈtje.nes deˈɾe.tʃo a ke te ðeˈβwel.βan el diˈneɾo/
Meaning"You have the right to have the money returned to you."
💡

Meaning

It means ‘You have the right to have your money returned.’ The sentence asserts a legal or moral entitlement, often used in consumer‑rights contexts.

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When to use

Use this phrase when informing someone of their right to a refund, such as after a purchase that didn’t meet expectations, in a formal complaint, or when explaining consumer protection laws.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Tienesderechoaquetedevuelvaneldinero

1

Tener + derecho + a + infinitivo/subjuntivo

The construction 'tener derecho a' is followed by an infinitive or a subjunctive clause to express a legal or moral entitlement.

2

Subjunctive after 'a que'

When 'a que' introduces a clause that expresses a desired or required action, the verb appears in the present subjunctive (devuelvan).

3

Pronoun placement

The object pronoun 'te' precedes the subjunctive verb in this clause, as is standard in Spanish.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Podrías devolverme el dinero que pagué?

Could you return the money I paid?

Sí, tienes derecho a que te devuelvan el dinero.

Yes, you have the right to have your money returned.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Tienes derecho a que te devuelven el dinero.

    After 'a que' the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.

  • Tienes derecho a que te devuelvan dinero.

    The noun 'dinero' normally takes the definite article 'el' when referring to a specific amount.

↔Alternatives

  • Puedes exigir que te devuelvan el dinero.

    You can demand that they return the money.

  • Tienes el derecho de que te reembolsen el dinero.

    You have the right that they reimburse you the money.

  • Tienes derecho a que te reembolsen el dinero.

    You have the right to be reimbursed the money.

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Cultural Tip

In most Spanish‑speaking countries consumer protection laws guarantee the right to a refund or replacement for faulty goods or services. The phrase is formal and is commonly heard in customer‑service interactions, legal advice, or when citing the law. Using ‘tienes derecho a que…’ signals that you are invoking a legal entitlement rather than making a casual request.