acta
“acta” means “minutes” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
minutes
Also: proceedings, formal record
📝 In Action
El secretario leyó el acta de la reunión anterior.
B1The secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting.
Todos los socios deben firmar el acta para que sea oficial.
B1All partners must sign the minutes for them to be official.
Se levantó un acta detallando los puntos acordados.
B2A formal record was drawn up detailing the points agreed upon.
certificate
Also: legal record
📝 In Action
Necesito una copia de mi acta de nacimiento para el pasaporte.
A2I need a copy of my birth certificate for the passport.
El acta de matrimonio está guardada en la caja fuerte.
B1The marriage certificate is kept in the safe.
El juez firmó el acta de defunción.
B2The judge signed the death certificate.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "acta" in Spanish:
certificate→formal record→legal record→minutes→proceedings→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: acta
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the minutes' (singular) in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'acta,' which was the plural of 'actum' (a thing done). In Roman times, it referred to public records or daily proceedings.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'acta' masculine or feminine?
It is feminine. We use 'el' only for the singular version because of the sound clash, but it behaves like a feminine word in every other way (e.g., 'las actas', 'el acta fría').
What does 'levantar acta' mean?
It is a formal way to say 'to draw up a record' or 'to take the minutes.' It is very common in meetings and police reports.
Is 'acta' the same as 'acto'?
No. 'Acto' usually refers to an event, a performance, or the physical act of doing something. 'Acta' refers to the written document that records what happened.