How to Say "application" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “application” is “aplicación” — use this for computer software or a mobile app.
aplicación
Examples
Descargué una aplicación nueva para editar fotos.
I downloaded a new application for editing photos.
solicitud
soh-lee-see-TOODsoliθiˈtuð
Examples
Debes completar la solicitud de empleo antes de la fecha límite.
You must complete the job application before the deadline.
Debes rellenar la solicitud antes del viernes.
You must fill out the application before Friday.
Hemos enviado una solicitud de préstamo al banco.
We have sent a loan request to the bank.
La universidad revisará todas las solicitudes de ingreso.
The university will review all admission applications.
Always Feminine
Remember that 'solicitud' is a feminine noun, so you must always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la solicitud aprobada'.
Confusing Nouns for Request
Mistake: “Using 'petición' when referring to a formal document, like a job application.”
Correction: Use 'solicitud' for official, usually written, applications or documents. Use 'petición' for more general or verbal requests.
formulario
for-moo-LAH-ryohfoɾmuˈlaɾjo
Examples
Rellena este formulario para registrarte en el curso.
Fill out this form to register for the course.
Tienes que rellenar este formulario para abrir una cuenta.
You have to fill out this form to open an account.
He enviado el formulario de contacto por internet.
I have sent the contact form online.
Gender Identification
Since this word ends in '-o', it is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el formulario'.
The 'Fill Out' Confusion
Mistake: “Using 'llenar' exclusively for forms.”
Correction: While 'llenar' works, Spanish speakers more naturally use 'rellenar' (to fill in) or 'completar' (to complete) when talking about documents.
uso
oo-sohˈu.so
Examples
Hay que darle un buen uso a esta herramienta.
One must make good use of this tool.
Dale un buen uso a ese regalo.
Make good use of that gift.
El manual explica el correcto uso de la máquina.
The manual explains the correct usage of the machine.
Esta es una palabra de uso común en la región.
This is a commonly used word in the region (a word of common use).
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though 'uso' ends in 'o', which often signals masculine words, remember it's always preceded by 'el' or 'un'. (e.g., El uso, un uso).
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Using 'uso' (noun) when the verb form is needed: 'Yo hago uso la computadora.'”
Correction: Use the verb 'usar': 'Yo uso la computadora.' (I use the computer.)
aplicación
Examples
La aplicación de la vacuna es obligatoria.
The application of the vaccine is mandatory.
pasada
pah-SAH-dahpaˈsaða
Examples
Necesita una segunda pasada de laca para proteger la madera.
It needs a second coat of varnish to protect the wood.
Esta pared necesita una segunda pasada de pintura blanca.
This wall needs a second coat of white paint.
Con una pasada de la plancha, la camisa quedó perfecta.
With one stroke of the iron, the shirt was perfect.
Counting Layers
When talking about layers, use ordinal numbers (primera, segunda) or cardinal numbers (una, dos, tres) before 'pasada': 'la tercera pasada de barniz' (the third coat of varnish).
petición
Examples
Presentamos una petición al alcalde para mejorar el parque.
We presented a petition to the mayor to improve the park.
instancia
een-STAHN-syahinsˈtan.sja
Examples
El artista presentó una instancia para obtener un permiso de obra.
The artist submitted a formal request to obtain a building permit.
He presentado una instancia en el ayuntamiento para solicitar la licencia.
I have submitted a formal request at the city hall to ask for the license.
La instancia fue rechazada por falta de documentación.
The petition was rejected due to a lack of documentation.
Debes rellenar este formulario de instancia para entrar en el proceso.
You must fill out this application form to enter the process.
Noun Gender
This word is feminine, so always use 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la instancia').
Confusing with 'example'
Mistake: “Usar 'instancia' para decir 'for instance'.”
Correction: Use 'por ejemplo' instead. In Spanish, 'instancia' is almost never used to mean 'example' like it is in English.
empleo
em-PLEH-ohemˈpleo
Examples
El empleo de la inteligencia artificial está transformando la industria.
The use of artificial intelligence is transforming the industry.
El empleo de nuevas tecnologías mejoró la producción.
The use of new technologies improved production.
Se requiere un empleo cuidadoso de las sustancias químicas.
Careful application of the chemical substances is required.
Formal Context
In most everyday situations, the simple word 'uso' is preferred for 'use.' 'Empleo' is often reserved for formal writing, technical manuals, or professional discourse.
candidatura
kan-dee-dah-TOO-rahkandiðaˈtuɾa
Examples
La candidata oficializó su candidatura a la gobernación.
The candidate formalized her candidacy for governor.
El político anunció su candidatura para la presidencia.
The politician announced his candidacy for the presidency.
La ciudad de Madrid presentó su candidatura para los Juegos Olímpicos.
The city of Madrid submitted its bid for the Olympic Games.
Mi candidatura fue aceptada por el comité de selección.
My application was accepted by the selection committee.
It's always feminine
Even if the person running for office is a man, the word 'candidatura' stays feminine. You always say 'la candidatura'.
Using it with 'para'
When you want to say what the candidacy is for, use the word 'para' (for), as in 'candidatura para alcalde' (candidacy for mayor).
Confusing the person with the process
Mistake: “Él es una candidatura fuerte.”
Correction: Él es un candidato fuerte. (Use 'candidato' for the person and 'candidatura' for the position or status they hold.)
Formulario vs. Solicitud
Related Translations
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