Inklingo

How to Say "credentials" in Spanish

English → Spanish

credencial

kre-den-syalkɾeðenˈsjal

nounB1general
Use 'credencial' when referring to official identification, such as a badge, ID card, or proof of qualifications needed for entry or to verify identity.
A colorful plastic identity card with a silhouette of a person and a small emblem.

Examples

Por favor, muestra tu credencial al guardia de seguridad.

Please, show your badge to the security guard.

Perdí mi credencial de elector y tengo que tramitar una nueva.

I lost my voter ID card and I have to apply for a new one.

El candidato tiene credenciales académicas muy impresionantes.

The candidate has very impressive academic credentials.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'l', this word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la credencial).

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one, add '-es' at the end to get 'credenciales'.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el credencial”

Correction: la credencial (it is a feminine noun).

poderes

po-DEH-respoˈðeɾes

nounC1legal
Use 'poderes' when referring to legal documents that grant someone the authority to act on another person's behalf, like a power of attorney.
A rolled-up legal scroll tied with a ribbon and bearing a large red wax seal, symbolizing legal authorization.

Examples

Necesitamos los poderes notariales para completar la venta de la propiedad.

We need the notarized power of attorney to complete the sale of the property.

El abogado presentó sus poderes ante el juez.

The lawyer presented his credentials (or authorization) before the judge.

Legal Phrase

When used in a legal context, 'poderes' often appears with adjectives like 'notariales' (notarized) or 'legales' (legal) to specify the type of official authorization.

Credencial vs. Poderes

The most common mistake is using 'credencial' when legal authority is implied. Remember, 'credencial' is for identification or qualifications, while 'poderes' specifically means legal authorization or power of attorney.

Related Translations

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