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How to Say "licensed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

autorizado

ow-toh-ree-SAH-dohau.to.riˈsa.do

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'autorizado' when referring to someone or something that has been officially permitted or has the necessary authorization to perform an action or access a place.
A large, shiny brass key is inserted into the lock of a heavy, blue wooden door. The door is slightly ajar, revealing bright light inside, symbolizing access or permission.

Examples

Solo el personal autorizado puede entrar en esta zona.

Only authorized personnel can enter this area.

Esta es la versión autorizada del libro.

This is the official (authorized) version of the book.

Necesitas un permiso autorizado para construir aquí.

You need an authorized permit to build here.

Matching the Noun

As an adjective, 'autorizado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. If the noun is feminine (like 'entrada'), you must say 'autorizada'.

Forgetting Gender/Number

Mistake: “La entrada es autorizado.”

Correction: La entrada es autorizada. (The feminine noun 'entrada' requires the feminine ending '-a'.)

licenciado

lee-sen-syah-dohliθenˈθjaðo

AdjectiveB2Formal/Specific
Use 'licenciado' when referring to someone who has been formally discharged from a duty, such as military service, or has received a degree or official qualification.
A person in a simple military uniform walking away from a base with a duffel bag.

Examples

El soldado fue licenciado tras tres años de servicio.

The soldier was discharged after three years of service.

Action vs. Result

When used with 'ser' (to be), it describes who the person is (a graduate). When used with 'estar' (to be), it describes their state (having been discharged).

Authorization vs. Formal Discharge/Degree

Learners often confuse 'autorizado' (authorized/permitted) with 'licenciado' (discharged/qualified). Remember that 'autorizado' is about permission for a specific action or access, while 'licenciado' relates to a formal release from an obligation or the attainment of a qualification.

Related Translations

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