Inklingo

credencial

kre-den-syal/kɾeðenˈsjal/

credencial means ID card in Spanish (official identification document).

ID card, badge

Also: accreditation, credentials
NounfB1
MexicoSpain
A colorful plastic identity card with a silhouette of a person and a small emblem.

📝 In Action

Por favor, muestra tu credencial al guardia de seguridad.

A2

Please, show your badge to the security guard.

Perdí mi credencial de elector y tengo que tramitar una nueva.

B1

I lost my voter ID card and I have to apply for a new one.

El candidato tiene credenciales académicas muy impresionantes.

B2

The candidate has very impressive academic credentials.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • identificación (identification)
  • carnet (membership card/ID)
  • gafete (name tag/badge)

Common Collocations

  • credencial de electorvoter ID card
  • credencial de prensapress pass
  • presentar la credencialto show your ID/badge

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "credencial" in Spanish:

accreditationbadgecredentialsid card

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: credencial

Question 1 of 3

What is the correct way to say 'the ID cards'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'creden- ', which means 'trusting' or 'believing'. It describes a document that allows others to trust your identity or authority.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: credentialFrench: cridentiel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'credencial' the same as 'identificación'?

Yes, but 'credencial' is more specific. It usually refers to a physical card or badge issued by an authority or group, whereas 'identificación' is the general concept of ID.

Can 'credencial' mean academic degrees?

In the plural form ('credenciales'), it can refer to someone's qualifications, experience, or background that makes them suitable for a job.

What is a 'credencial digital'?

It is a digital version of an ID or badge stored on a smartphone, which is becoming very common in many Spanish-speaking countries.