Inklingo

How to Say "execute" in Spanish

English → Spanish

realizar

rreh-ah-lee-SAR/re.a.liˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'realizar' when you mean to carry out or perform a plan, order, or task.
A cartoon character in overalls carefully placing the last piece onto a small wooden structure, signifying the completion of a task.

Examples

El equipo necesita realizar la prueba antes del viernes.

The team needs to carry out the test before Friday.

¿Cuándo van a realizar el pago?

When are they going to make the payment?

La policía realizó una investigación sobre el caso.

The police conducted an investigation into the case.

Spelling Change for Sound

In the preterite 'yo' form and all present subjunctive forms, the 'z' changes to a 'c' (realicé, realice) to keep the soft 's' sound before 'e'.

False Cognate Alert

Mistake: “Using 'realizar' when you mean 'to notice' or 'to understand' (the English 'to realize').”

Correction: Use 'darse cuenta de' instead. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que llovía' (I realized it was raining).

cumplir

koom-PLEER/kumˈpliɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'cumplir' when referring to fulfilling or carrying out promises, duties, or contracts.
A storybook illustration showing one person happily handing a large golden key to another person, symbolizing the fulfillment of a promise or duty.

Examples

El presidente prometió cumplir sus promesas de campaña.

The president promised to fulfill his campaign promises.

Debemos cumplir con el contrato antes de fin de mes.

We must carry out the contract before the end of the month.

Si no cumples tu palabra, nadie te creerá.

If you don't keep your word, no one will believe you.

Using 'Con'

When 'cumplir' means 'to comply with' a rule or requirement, it is often followed by the little word 'con': 'Tienes que cumplir con las normas' (You have to comply with the rules).

celebrar

/the-leh-BRAR//θeleˈβɾaɾ/

verbC1formal
Use 'celebrar' primarily for the formal act of concluding or enacting agreements, like treaties or contracts.
Two distinct cartoon hands, one blue and one red, shaking firmly over a simple white rolled-up scroll tied with a red ribbon, symbolizing concluding a treaty.

Examples

Los dos países celebraron un tratado de paz después de la guerra.

The two countries concluded a peace treaty after the war.

El abogado nos ayudó a celebrar el contrato de arrendamiento.

The lawyer helped us execute the lease agreement.

Legal Language

In formal documents, 'celebrar' is the technical term for the final act of signing or enacting a legally binding document.

Realizar vs. Cumplir

Learners often confuse 'realizar' and 'cumplir'. Remember that 'realizar' is for actions or tasks, while 'cumplir' is typically used for obligations, promises, or plans that are brought to completion.

Related Translations

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