Inklingo

How to Say "approval" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “approval” is “aprobación” — use this for general acceptance, consent, or official permission, especially in formal or business contexts..

aprobaciónA2

Use this for general acceptance, consent, or official permission, especially in formal or business contexts.

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ok🔊B1

Use this informal term for permission to proceed or a go-ahead, common in everyday conversations and less formal work environments.

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okey🔊B1

Similar to 'ok', this informal term signifies official permission or agreement, often used when waiting for a final confirmation.

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aplauso🔊B1

Use this when referring to public praise, acclaim, or applause, often in the context of recognition for an achievement.

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autorizaciónB2

This refers to a formal, explicit permission or authorization, often documented, granting the right to do something.

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visto🔊B2

Use 'visto bueno' to indicate official approval or a go-ahead, especially when a document or project needs a final sign-off.

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English → Spanish

aprobación

nounA2general
Use this for general acceptance, consent, or official permission, especially in formal or business contexts.

Examples

Necesitamos la aprobación de la gerencia para comprar el equipo nuevo.

We need the management's approval to buy the new equipment.

ok

/o-kei//oˈkei/

nounB1informal
Use this informal term for permission to proceed or a go-ahead, common in everyday conversations and less formal work environments.
A simplified traffic signal showing only the green light illuminated, symbolizing the 'go-ahead' or approval.

Examples

Necesito el ok del jefe para empezar el proyecto.

I need the boss's okay to start the project.

Cuando me des el ok, compro los boletos.

When you give me the okay, I'll buy the tickets.

Always Masculine

When used as a thing (a noun) that you can give or get, 'ok' is treated as a masculine word. That's why you'll always see it with 'el' or 'un', like 'el ok' (the okay).

okey

/oh-kay//oˈkei/

nounB1informal
Similar to 'ok', this informal term signifies official permission or agreement, often used when waiting for a final confirmation.
A bright green traffic light glowing on a simple pole.

Examples

Solo estoy esperando el okey de mi jefe.

I'm just waiting for the okay from my boss.

Ya tenemos el okey para empezar la obra.

We already have the green light to start the construction.

Using 'Okey' as a Thing

When you use 'okey' as a noun (a person, place, or thing), it is always masculine. That's why we say 'el okey'.

aplauso

ah-PLOW-soh/aˈplau̯.so/

nounB1formal
Use this when referring to public praise, acclaim, or applause, often in the context of recognition for an achievement.
A shiny, classic golden trophy placed centrally on a small pedestal, symbolizing high praise or acclaim.

Examples

El nuevo libro recibió el aplauso unánime de la crítica especializada.

The new book received the unanimous acclaim of the specialized critics.

Su larga trayectoria profesional mereció el aplauso de sus colegas.

His long professional career deserved the praise of his colleagues.

autorización

nounB2formal
This refers to a formal, explicit permission or authorization, often documented, granting the right to do something.

Examples

Necesitas una autorización por escrito para acceder a esa zona.

You need written authorization to access that area.

visto

/bees-toh//ˈbisto/

nounB2formal
Use 'visto bueno' to indicate official approval or a go-ahead, especially when a document or project needs a final sign-off.
A large, distinct green check mark symbol drawn firmly across an official document.

Examples

El proyecto necesita el visto bueno del director.

The project needs the director's approval.

Por favor, pon un visto en cada tarea completada.

Please, put a check mark on each completed task.

Aprobación vs. Autorización

The most common confusion is between 'aprobación' and 'autorización'. While both mean permission, 'aprobación' is broader and can mean general acceptance, whereas 'autorización' implies a more specific, formal grant of power or right.

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