Inklingo

How to Say "application" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “application” is “aplicación” — use this for computer software or a mobile app..

aplicaciónA1

Use this for computer software or a mobile app.

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uso🔊A1

Use this when referring to the specific way something is put to work or utilized.

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formulario🔊A2

Use this for a formal document you fill out to request something, like opening a bank account.

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solicitud🔊B1

Use this for a formal request or application for a job, university place, or membership.

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forma🔊B1

Use this specifically for an application form, often used in a less formal context than 'formulario'.

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pasada🔊B1

Use this for a coat or layer of something being applied, like paint or makeup.

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peticiónB1

Use this for a formal request or plea, often signed by multiple people, for a specific action or benefit.

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empleo🔊B2

Use this for the practical implementation or use of a theory, idea, or technology.

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English → Spanish

aplicación

nounA1general
Use this for computer software or a mobile app.

Examples

Descargué una aplicación para editar fotos.

I downloaded an app for editing photos.

aplicación

nounB1general
Use this for the act of putting something into practice, like a cream or a technique.

Examples

La aplicación de protector solar es clave en verano.

The application of sunscreen is key in summer.

uso

/oo-soh//ˈu.so/

nounA1general
Use this when referring to the specific way something is put to work or utilized.
A close-up view of a child's hand holding a wooden paintbrush, actively applying a thick streak of bright blue paint onto a white canvas.

Examples

Dale un buen uso a tus nuevas herramientas.

Make good use of your new tools.

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.)

formulario

/for-moo-LAH-ryoh//foɾmuˈlaɾjo/

nounA2formal
Use this for a formal document you fill out to request something, like opening a bank account.
A colorful storybook illustration of a single paper document with several empty rectangular boxes and small lines for writing.

Examples

Rellena este formulario para solicitar la membresía.

Fill out this form to apply for membership.

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.

solicitud

soh-lee-see-TOOD/soliθiˈtuð/

nounB1formal
Use this for a formal request or application for a job, university place, or membership.
A detailed illustration showing a clean, white formal application document being neatly slid into the narrow slot of a sturdy, wooden submission box.

Examples

Mi solicitud de empleo fue aceptada.

My job application was accepted.

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.

forma

/for-mah//ˈfoɾma/

nounB1general
Use this specifically for an application form, often used in a less formal context than 'formulario'.
A blank paper document with neatly spaced horizontal ruled lines and bordered boxes waiting to be filled.

Examples

Necesito completar la forma de inscripción.

I need to complete the registration form.

Por favor, rellene esta forma con sus datos personales.

Please, fill out this form with your personal data.

Necesito una forma de solicitud de empleo.

I need a job application form.

pasada

pah-SAH-dah/paˈsaða/

nounB1general
Use this for a coat or layer of something being applied, like paint or makeup.
A close-up illustration of a hand holding a wide paintbrush applying a single, thick blue layer of paint onto a flat wooden surface.

Examples

La pared necesita una segunda pasada de pintura.

The wall needs a second coat of paint.

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

nounB1formal
Use this for a formal request or plea, often signed by multiple people, for a specific action or benefit.

Examples

Recogimos firmas para una petición de mejoras.

We collected signatures for a petition for improvements.

empleo

em-PLEH-oh/emˈpleo/

nounB2general
Use this for the practical implementation or use of a theory, idea, or technology.
A colorful storybook illustration focusing on two hands holding a simple wooden hammer, actively using it to hit a nail into a piece of wood, demonstrating utilization or use.

Examples

El empleo de la inteligencia artificial avanza rápidamente.

The use of artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly.

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.

Formulario vs. Solicitud vs. Forma

Learners often confuse 'formulario', 'solicitud', and 'forma' for application forms. 'Formulario' is a general term for a form to be filled, 'solicitud' emphasizes the request being made (like for a job or university), and 'forma' can also mean form but is sometimes used more broadly or informally.

Related Translations

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