licencia
/lee-SEN-syah/
license
This card represents an official licencia (license) document, like a driver's license.
licencia(noun)
license
?official document (e.g., driving, professional)
permit
?a specific type of authorization document
📝 In Action
Perdí mi licencia de conducir en el viaje.
A1I lost my driver's license on the trip.
Necesitas una licencia para abrir un restaurante.
A2You need a license to open a restaurant.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-a', 'licencia' is always feminine. Remember to use 'la licencia' or 'una licencia'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'de' for Type
To specify the type of license, use 'licencia DE [type]': 'licencia de pesca' (fishing license), 'licencia de taxi' (taxi license).
Receiving the key signifies licencia (permission) to proceed or access something.
📝 In Action
El profesor dio licencia a los estudiantes para usar sus apuntes.
B1The professor gave the students permission to use their notes.
Con licencia poética, el escritor cambió la historia original.
C1Using poetic license, the writer changed the original story.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Permission
While 'permiso' is the most common word for simple, everyday permission, 'licencia' often implies a more formal, official, or written authorization.
Taking time off work or school is a licencia (leave of absence).
licencia(noun)
leave of absence
?time off work or school
sabbatical
?extended professional leave
,furlough
?military/government leave
📝 In Action
El empleado solicitó una licencia médica por tres meses.
B2The employee requested three months of medical leave.
Ella está de licencia por maternidad.
B2She is on maternity leave.
💡 Grammar Points
Preposition Use
When someone is taking the leave, use 'estar de licencia' (to be on leave). When requesting it, use 'solicitar una licencia' (to request a leave).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'vacaciones' for official leave
Mistake: "Me tomé tres meses de vacaciones médicas."
Correction: Me tomé tres meses de licencia médica. ('Vacaciones' usually refers to leisure time, not mandated or formal professional absence.)
This image shows the authorization granted by a licencia (software license).
📝 In Action
Asegúrate de leer la licencia de usuario antes de instalar el programa.
C1Make sure you read the user license before installing the program.
Compramos una licencia corporativa para todos los equipos.
C1We bought a corporate license for all the computers.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: licencia
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es el significado de 'licencia' en la frase: 'El jefe está de licencia por tres semanas'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'licencia' and 'permiso'?
'Licencia' often refers to a formal, legally recognized document (like a driver's license), or a long-term, official authorization (like medical leave). 'Permiso' is usually used for simpler, everyday permission or a short-term pass (like asking if you can leave the table).
I heard 'licenciado' used as a title. Is that related?
Yes! 'Licenciado' (or 'Licenciada' for a woman) is a title used in many Spanish-speaking countries for someone who has completed a university degree (a 'licenciatura'). It implies they are 'licensed' to practice their profession.