Inklingo

How to Say "petition" in Spanish

English → Spanish

petición

nounB1formal
Use 'petición' for a formal appeal or a collective request, such as signing a document to ask for something.

Examples

Firmamos una petición para que el ayuntamiento repare la calle.

We signed a petition for the city council to repair the street.

solicitud

soh-lee-see-TOOD/soliθiˈtuð/

nounB1formal
Use 'solicitud' when referring to a formal application or a document submitted for a specific purpose, like a job or a permit.
A detailed illustration showing a clean, white formal application document being neatly slid into the narrow slot of a sturdy, wooden submission box.

Examples

Debes rellenar la solicitud antes del viernes.

You must fill out the application before Friday.

Hemos enviado una solicitud de préstamo al banco.

We have sent a loan request to the bank.

La universidad revisará todas las solicitudes de ingreso.

The university will review all admission applications.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'solicitud' is a feminine noun, so you must always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la solicitud aprobada'.

Confusing Nouns for Request

Mistake: “Using 'petición' when referring to a formal document, like a job application.”

Correction: Use 'solicitud' for official, usually written, applications or documents. Use 'petición' for more general or verbal requests.

pedido

peh-DEE-doh/peˈðiðo/

nounB1formal
Choose 'pedido' when you mean a formal request or an order, often in a business or official context, but it can also refer to a plea.
A person kneeling respectfully and presenting a closed scroll to a seated, serious-looking figure, symbolizing a formal request or serious plea.

Examples

El presidente ignoró nuestro pedido de reforma.

The president ignored our request for reform.

Ella hizo un pedido desesperado de ayuda financiera.

She made a desperate appeal for financial help.

recurso

/reh-KOOR-sos//reˈkuɾsos/

nounC1formal
Use 'recurso' for a very formal written request or appeal, especially in a legal or administrative context, like challenging a decision.
A determined small brown mouse standing on a pedestal, formally presenting a rolled-up scroll to a large, wise owl perched above.

Examples

Presentaron un recurso ante el Tribunal Supremo.

They filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.

El abogado dijo que no había más recursos disponibles.

The lawyer said there were no more appeals (or legal recourses) available.

Verb Partner

This meaning usually pairs with verbs like 'presentar' (to file), 'interponer' (to lodge), or 'denegar' (to deny).

Petición vs. Solicitud

The most common confusion is between 'petición' and 'solicitud'. Remember that 'petición' is generally for a collective appeal or a plea, while 'solicitud' is typically a formal application form or document you fill out to request something specific.

Related Translations

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