How to Say "formal request" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “formal request” is “instancia” — use 'instancia' when referring to a written document or application submitted to an authority or institution, often for official approval or permission..
instancia
/een-STAHN-syah//insˈtan.sja/
Examples
Presenté una instancia al ayuntamiento para solicitar una licencia de obra.
I submitted a formal request to the city council to apply for a building permit.
He presentado una instancia en el ayuntamiento para solicitar la licencia.
I have submitted a formal request at the city hall to ask for the license.
La instancia fue rechazada por falta de documentación.
The petition was rejected due to a lack of documentation.
Debes rellenar este formulario de instancia para entrar en el proceso.
You must fill out this application form to enter the process.
Noun Gender
This word is feminine, so always use 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la instancia').
Confusing with 'example'
Mistake: “Usar 'instancia' para decir 'for instance'.”
Correction: Use 'por ejemplo' instead. In Spanish, 'instancia' is almost never used to mean 'example' like it is in English.
requerimiento
/re-keh-ree-MYEN-toh//re.ke.ɾi.'mjen.to/
Examples
El juez emitió un requerimiento para que el testigo compareciera.
The judge issued a formal request for the witness to appear.
Recibió un requerimiento judicial en su casa.
He received a court summons at his house.
El banco envió un requerimiento de pago por la deuda.
The bank sent a formal payment demand for the debt.
La policía hizo un requerimiento de documentos.
The police made a formal request for documents.
Verbs that follow
When someone issues a 'requerimiento', they usually want you to do something. This often leads to using the word 'que' followed by the special 'subjunctive' verb form (the 'wishes and commands' form).
Ignoring the Legal Weight
Mistake: “Mi amigo me hizo un requerimiento para ir al cine.”
Correction: Mi amigo me pidió ir al cine.
Instancia vs. Requerimiento
Related Translations
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