Inklingo

How to Say "id" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “id” is “identificación” — use this term when referring to an official document that proves your identity, like a driver's license or passport, especially when it's needed for a specific action like boarding a plane..

identificaciónA1

Use this term when referring to an official document that proves your identity, like a driver's license or passport, especially when it's needed for a specific action like boarding a plane.

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documento🔊A1

This is a very common, general term for any document, and is often used as a shorthand for 'documento de identidad' (identity document). Use it when referring to a specific piece of paper that serves as proof of identity.

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documentaciónA2

Use this term to refer to a collection of identification papers or supporting documents, often required collectively for a formal process or entry.

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identidad🔊A1

This word refers to the concept of who someone is, their identity, or proof of that identity, rather than a specific physical document. It can also refer to cultural or personal identity.

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English → Spanish

identificación

nounA1general
Use this term when referring to an official document that proves your identity, like a driver's license or passport, especially when it's needed for a specific action like boarding a plane.

Examples

Necesitas tu identificación para abordar el avión.

You need your ID to board the plane.

documento

/do-ku-MEN-to//do.kuˈmen.to/

nounA1general
This is a very common, general term for any document, and is often used as a shorthand for 'documento de identidad' (identity document). Use it when referring to a specific piece of paper that serves as proof of identity.
A pristine white sheet of official paper lying flat, marked only by a large, colorful, abstract geometric seal in the corner, representing an official document.

Examples

Necesito presentar este documento para entrar.

I need to present this document to enter.

Necesito firmar este documento antes de irme.

I need to sign this document before I leave.

¿Tienes tu documento de identidad a mano?

Do you have your ID (identity document) handy?

El abogado revisó todos los documentos legales del caso.

The lawyer reviewed all the legal documents for the case.

Gender Rule

Even though 'documento' ends in '-o', which usually means it's masculine, remember that the word for 'paper' is also masculine: 'el papel'.

Confusing Paper Types

Mistake: “Using 'papel' when you mean a formal record.”

Correction: Use 'documento' for official records (like a contract or a passport). Use 'papel' for the material itself (like toilet paper or writing paper).

documentación

nounA2formal
Use this term to refer to a collection of identification papers or supporting documents, often required collectively for a formal process or entry.

Examples

Por favor, presente toda la documentación en la entrada.

Please present all the documentation at the entrance.

identidad

ee-den-tee-DAHD/i.ðen.tiˈðað/

nounA1general
This word refers to the concept of who someone is, their identity, or proof of that identity, rather than a specific physical document. It can also refer to cultural or personal identity.
A colorful silhouette of a person filled with various unique patterns and colors, symbolizing personal identity and distinct characteristics.

Examples

Mi identidad cultural es una mezcla de tradiciones.

My cultural identity is a mix of traditions.

Necesitas mostrar tu documento de identidad para entrar.

You need to show your identity document (ID) to enter.

La empresa sufrió un robo de identidad digital.

The company suffered a digital identity theft.

Gender Rule

Even though this word ends in '-dad', it is always feminine. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la identidad'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El identidad es importante.”

Correction: La identidad es importante. (The noun is always feminine.)

Document vs. Identity

Learners often confuse 'documento' and 'identidad' when referring to an ID card. Remember that 'documento' is the physical item (like a card or passport), while 'identidad' refers to the abstract concept of who you are or the proof of that status.

Related Translations

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