Inklingo

How to Say "clause" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clause” is “oración” — use this word for a grammatical clause that forms a complete sentence, typically ending with punctuation like a period.

English → Spanish

oración

nounA1grammatical
Use this word for a grammatical clause that forms a complete sentence, typically ending with punctuation like a period.

Examples

Cada oración debe terminar con un punto final.

Every sentence must end with a period.

cláusula

nounB2legal, formal
Use this term for a specific rule, condition, or stipulation within a legal contract or agreement.

Examples

Lee bien cada cláusula del contrato antes de firmar.

Read every clause of the contract carefully before signing.

apartado

ah-par-TAH-dohapaɾˈtaðo

nounB1legal, formal
This refers to a specific section or part of a larger written document, such as a contract or a law.
A highlighted chapter or portion of a large open book.

Examples

Debes leer el apartado segundo del contrato antes de firmar.

You must read the second section of the contract before signing.

En este apartado, explicamos los resultados del estudio.

In this section, we explain the results of the study.

Mira el apartado de 'notas adicionales' al final.

Look at the 'additional notes' section at the end.

Use for Numbers

Spanish uses this word for points in a list (1, 2, 3) where English might just say 'point' or 'item'.

Apartado vs. Párrafo

Mistake: “Using 'apartado' for a standard block of text in a story.”

Correction: Use 'párrafo' for normal writing and 'apartado' for specific numbered sections in formal papers.

cláusula

nounC1grammatical
Use this for a grammatical clause that contains a subject and verb but might not be a complete sentence on its own, like a relative clause.

Examples

Una cláusula relativa añade información sobre el sustantivo.

A relative clause adds information about the noun.

dispositivo

dis-poh-see-TEE-vohdisposiˈtiβo

nounC1legal, formal
This term is used for a specific provision or article within a legal text or decree.
A stylized, official-looking red wax seal being pressed onto a rolled-up parchment scroll by a hand, symbolizing a legal provision.

Examples

El dispositivo legal entrará en vigor el próximo mes.

The legal provision will come into effect next month.

Según el dispositivo del contrato, debemos pagar la multa.

According to the clause/provision of the contract, we must pay the fine.

proposición

nounC1logic, grammatical
In logic or advanced grammar, this refers to a statement or assertion that can be evaluated as true or false.

Examples

En lógica, una proposición puede ser verdadera o falsa.

In logic, a statement can be true or false.

Contract vs. Grammar Clause

Learners often confuse 'cláusula' and 'oración'. Remember that 'cláusula' is primarily for specific points in contracts, while 'oración' refers to a complete grammatical sentence. A grammatical clause within a sentence is also 'cláusula' at a higher level (C1).

Related Translations

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