instancia
“instancia” means “formal request” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
formal request, petition
Also: application
📝 In Action
He presentado una instancia en el ayuntamiento para solicitar la licencia.
B1I have submitted a formal request at the city hall to ask for the license.
La instancia fue rechazada por falta de documentación.
B2The petition was rejected due to a lack of documentation.
Debes rellenar este formulario de instancia para entrar en el proceso.
B2You must fill out this application form to enter the process.
level, instance
Also: stage
📝 In Action
El caso se resolverá en primera instancia.
C1The case will be resolved in the first instance (the first level of court).
Elevaremos la queja a las altas instancias del gobierno.
C1We will take the complaint to the high levels of the government.
No podemos intervenir en esta instancia del proceso.
B2We cannot intervene at this stage of the process.
ultimately, in the end
📝 In Action
En última instancia, tú eres el responsable de tu futuro.
B1Ultimately, you are responsible for your future.
La decisión depende, en última instancia, del director.
B2The decision depends, in the final analysis, on the director.
Si nada funciona, en última instancia podemos cancelar el contrato.
B2If nothing works, as a last resort we can cancel the contract.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "instancia" in Spanish:
application→formal request→instance→level→petition→stage→ultimately→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: instancia
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'For instance' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'instantia', which originally meant 'presence' or 'urgency', coming from 'instans' (standing near).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'instancia' to mean an example?
Generally, no. While English uses 'instance' as a synonym for 'example,' Spanish uses 'ejemplo.' Using 'instancia' this way is considered a mistake influenced by English.
Is 'instancia' only for legal use?
No, while it is very common in law, it is used for any formal request to an institution (like a university or city hall) and in common phrases like 'en última instancia'.
What is 'primera instancia'?
It refers to the first level of a legal process or the first court that hears a case. If you lose there, you might move to the 'segunda instancia' (appeal).