testificar
“testificar” means “to testify” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to testify, to give evidence
Also: to depose
📝 In Action
El testigo se negó a testificar sin la presencia de su abogado.
B1The witness refused to testify without the presence of his lawyer.
¿Puedes testificar que viste el accidente?
B2Can you testify that you saw the accident?
La policía le pidió que testificara sobre lo ocurrido.
B1The police asked him to give evidence about what happened.
to bear witness, to attest to
Also: to prove
📝 In Action
Los antiguos documentos testifican la existencia de un templo perdido.
B2The ancient documents bear witness to the existence of a lost temple.
Su larga y exitosa carrera testifica su dedicación al arte.
C1His long and successful career attests to his dedication to art.
El milagro testificó la fe de la comunidad.
B2The miracle bore witness to the community's faith.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: testificar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'testificar' in its formal, legal sense?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *testificāre*, which is built from *testis* (meaning 'witness') and *facere* (meaning 'to make' or 'to do'). Essentially, it means 'to make a witness' or 'to act as a witness.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'testificar' y 'declarar'?
Both words can mean 'to state something formally.' However, 'testificar' almost always implies giving evidence based on personal knowledge or experience (like a witness). 'Declarar' is broader; it can mean to make any formal statement, like declaring income or declaring independence.
Does 'testificar' require a preposition afterward?
Often, yes. If you are testifying about a person, you use 'contra' (against) or 'a favor de' (in favor of). If you are testifying about an event or truth, you often use 'sobre' (about) or 'de' (of/about).