Inklingo

How to Say "decree" in Spanish

English → Spanish

decreto

/deh-KREH-toh//deˈkɾeto/

nounB1formal
Use 'decreto' for an official order or law issued by a government, president, or other high legal authority.
A rolled parchment scroll with a large red wax seal resting on a wooden table.

Examples

El presidente firmó un decreto para ayudar a los desempleados.

The president signed a decree to help the unemployed.

Por decreto real, el día de hoy será festivo.

By royal decree, today will be a holiday.

El nuevo decreto entrará en vigor el próximo lunes.

The new executive order will take effect next Monday.

Always Masculine

Even though it relates to authority, 'decreto' is always masculine (el decreto), regardless of who signs it.

The 'By Decree' phrase

When you want to say something was done 'by decree,' always use the preposition 'por': 'por decreto'.

Confusing Law with Decree

Mistake: “Using 'decreto' for everything passed by a parliament.”

Correction: Use 'ley' for laws passed by a voting body, and 'decreto' for orders specifically from an executive or ruler.

disposición

nounC1formal
Use 'disposición' for a formal public order, ruling, or regulation, often issued by a ministry, agency, or a specific body, affecting a particular group.

Examples

La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.

The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.

Decreto vs. Disposición

Learners often confuse 'decreto' and 'disposición' because both mean 'order'. Remember that 'decreto' is typically for broad, governmental laws, while 'disposición' is more specific to rules set by a particular ministry or organization.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.