Inklingo

How to Say "consent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

consentimiento

/kon-sen-tee-MYEN-toh//kon.sen.tiˈmjen.to/

nounB1general
Use 'consentimiento' when you need to express agreement or permission, especially in personal or legal contexts where explicit authorization is required.
Two distinct hands gently meeting in the center, palm-to-palm, symbolizing mutual agreement or consent.

Examples

Necesitas el consentimiento de tus padres para viajar.

You need your parents' consent to travel.

El médico obtuvo el consentimiento escrito del paciente antes de la cirugía.

The doctor obtained the patient's written consent before the surgery.

Su silencio no implica consentimiento.

His silence does not imply agreement/consent.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'consentimiento' is a masculine word, so it always uses 'el' or 'un' (el consentimiento, un consentimiento).

Using 'para' instead of 'de'

Mistake:El consentimiento para la acción.

Correction: El consentimiento de la acción. Use 'de' (of/for) to link the consent to the thing being agreed upon.

aprobación

nounA2formal
Choose 'aprobación' when referring to a formal agreement or official sanction, often from an authority figure or institution.

Examples

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

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

nounC1specific
Use 'sí' (literally 'yes') only when referring to the act of agreeing or giving permission in a very specific, often ceremonial or decisive moment, like a wedding vow.

Examples

La novia dio el sí en el altar.

The bride said 'I do' (literally, 'gave the yes') at the altar.

Consentimiento vs. Aprobación

Learners often confuse 'consentimiento' and 'aprobación'. Remember that 'consentimiento' is for personal or explicit permission, while 'aprobación' implies a more official or institutional agreement. Don't use 'aprobación' for personal permission to travel, for example.

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