Compensar

Compensar is a verb in Spanish and Portuguese meaning to compensate, offset, or repay. In both languages it is used to express balancing losses or damages, or to provide remuneration for services or harm. Etymology traces to Latin compensare, from com- “together” and pendere “to weigh.” In practice, compensar takes a direct object: for example, “compensar una pérdida” (to compensate a loss), “compensar a alguien” (to compensate someone for damages), or “compensar gastos” (to reimburse expenses). In legal and financial contexts, the noun form “compensación” refers to the payment or adjustment made to make up for a loss or injury, or to offset a debt or obligation.

The word also appears in specialized domains. In labor and social policy, compensar describes actions that balance rights or benefits, such as “compensar a trabajadores” or “compensación de horas.” In Portuguese, similar usages occur, including time banking and severance contexts.

As a proper noun, Compensar refers to a Colombian private nonprofit organization known as a family compensation fund (Caja de Compensación Familiar). It operates to provide social services to workers and their families, including health care, housing subsidies, education programs, and cultural recreation, as part of Colombia’s system of cajas de compensación. The term is also used in other countries to name organizations or programs with related welfare or compensation aims.