Inklingo

How to Say "exempt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

franco

/frán-ko//ˈfɾaŋ.ko/

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'franco' when referring to something that is free from specific charges, such as customs duties or tariffs, often in a commercial or trade context.
A storybook illustration of a wrapped box package floating easily in the air, passing over a closed customs barrier gate without needing to stop, symbolizing freedom from duty.

Examples

La zona franca permite el comercio sin pagar aranceles.

The free zone allows trade without paying tariffs.

Este tipo de envío es franco de porte, lo que significa que el remitente paga el costo.

This type of shipment is carriage paid, meaning the sender pays the cost.

Formal Usage

This meaning of 'franco' is often combined with prepositions like 'de' ('franco de porte' or 'franco de gastos') to indicate what the item is free FROM.

liberado

lee-beh-RAH-doh/li.βeˈɾa.ðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'liberado' when someone or something is freed from an obligation, like taxes or duties, or in the sense of being released or set free.
A small, brightly colored bird flying out of a simple open cage and soaring into a clear blue sky.

Examples

El ciudadano estaba liberado del servicio militar obligatorio.

The citizen was exempt from compulsory military service.

El rehén fue liberado después de las negociaciones.

The hostage was freed after the negotiations.

Ella se sentía liberada de sus viejas responsabilidades.

She felt released from her old responsibilities.

Hemos liberado espacio en el disco duro.

We have freed up space on the hard drive.

Gender and Number Agreement

As an adjective, 'liberado' must match the person or thing it describes: 'El niño liberado' (m. singular), 'La niña liberada' (f. singular), 'Los niños liberados' (m. plural), 'Las niñas liberadas' (f. plural).

Used with 'Estar' or 'Ser'

Use 'ser' (es liberado) to describe the action of being freed, or 'estar' (está liberado) to describe the resulting state of being free.

Confusing Adjective vs. Action

Mistake: “Using 'ser' when describing a temporary state, e.g., 'El disco es liberado' (The disk is freed [permanently]).”

Correction: Use 'estar' for a current, resulting state: 'El disco está liberado' (The disk is now free of files).

Choosing between 'franco' and 'liberado'

Learners often confuse 'franco' and 'liberado' because both can relate to being free from duties. Remember that 'franco' specifically applies to goods or zones free from tariffs, while 'liberado' is broader, covering release from any obligation or duty, including taxes or even personal freedom.

Related Translations

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