Inklingo

How to Say "petition" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “petition” is “solicitud” — use 'solicitud' when referring to a formal application or a written request for something, like a job or a permit, that often requires filling out a form.

solicitud🔊B1

Use 'solicitud' when referring to a formal application or a written request for something, like a job or a permit, that often requires filling out a form.

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peticiónB1

Choose 'petición' for a formal appeal or a collective request, especially when a group of people sign a document asking for a change or action.

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pedido🔊B1

Use 'pedido' when you are referring to a formal request or demand, often made by a group or an organization, that may be ignored or denied.

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instancia🔊B2

Opt for 'instancia' when referring to an official document submitted to an authority, like a government office, to make a formal request or claim.

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recurso🔊C1

Use 'recurso' in a legal context for a formal written appeal against a decision, typically submitted to a higher court or authority.

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English → Spanish

solicitud

soh-lee-see-TOODsoliθiˈtuð

nounB1formal
Use 'solicitud' when referring to a formal application or a written request for something, like a job or a permit, that often requires filling out a form.
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.

petición

nounB1formal
Choose 'petición' for a formal appeal or a collective request, especially when a group of people sign a document asking for a change or action.

Examples

Firmamos una petición para que el ayuntamiento repare la calle.

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

pedido

peh-DEE-dohpeˈðiðo

nounB1formal
Use 'pedido' when you are referring to a formal request or demand, often made by a group or an organization, that may be ignored or denied.
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.

instancia

een-STAHN-syahinsˈtan.sja

nounB2formal
Opt for 'instancia' when referring to an official document submitted to an authority, like a government office, to make a formal request or claim.
A hand placing a formal document with a red wax seal onto a wooden desk.

Examples

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.

nounC1formal
Use 'recurso' in a legal context for a formal written appeal against a decision, typically submitted to a higher court or authority.

Examples

Presentaron un recurso ante el Tribunal Supremo.

They filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Solicitud vs. Petición

Learners often confuse 'solicitud' and 'petición'. Remember that 'solicitud' is typically for an application or a request where you fill out forms (like a job application or permit request), while 'petición' is more often used for collective appeals or signatures asking for something.

Related Translations

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