Inklingo

How to Say "prerequisite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

requisito

/rreh-kee-SEE-toh//re.kiˈsi.to/

nounB1general
Use 'requisito' when referring to something that is officially or formally required, often as a condition for something else to be granted or allowed.
A hiker standing before a large wooden gate with a sign showing a hiking boot icon, indicating the need for proper footwear.

Examples

El pasaporte es un requisito para viajar al extranjero.

A passport is a requirement for traveling abroad.

¿Cuáles son los requisitos para solicitar la beca?

What are the requirements to apply for the scholarship?

No cumplo con el requisito de los cinco años de experiencia.

I don't meet the requirement of five years of experience.

Using 'el' and 'un'

This word is masculine, so you should always use 'el requisito' or 'un requisito.' Even if the requirement itself is a feminine thing (like 'una foto'), the word 'requisito' stays masculine.

Meeting Requirements

In English, we 'meet' or 'fulfill' a requirement. In Spanish, the most natural verb to use is 'cumplir'.

Confusing Requisito with Requerimiento

Mistake: “El requerimiento para el trabajo es hablar inglés.”

Correction: El requisito para el trabajo es hablar inglés.

requerimiento

/re-keh-ree-MYEN-toh//re.ke.ɾi.'mjen.to/

nounB1general
Use 'requerimiento' when referring to something that is needed or demanded, often as a necessary component or condition for a process or situation.
A square peg being placed into a matching square hole.

Examples

El primer requerimiento para el puesto es hablar inglés.

The first requirement for the position is to speak English.

No cumplo con los requerimientos técnicos para instalar el juego.

I don't meet the technical requirements to install the game.

Es un requerimiento indispensable para graduarse.

It is an essential requirement to graduate.

A 'Stronger' Requirement

While 'requisito' is used for general rules, 'requerimiento' often feels more formal and is used frequently in technical or business documents.

Pluralization

To make it plural, just add an '-s': 'requerimientos'. The stress stays on the 'mien' syllable.

Using it for 'Necessity'

Mistake: “Tengo un requerimiento de beber agua.”

Correction: Tengo la necesidad de beber agua.

Requisito vs. Requerimiento

Learners often confuse 'requisito' and 'requerimiento' because both mean 'requirement'. However, 'requisito' often implies a formal condition (like for a visa), while 'requerimiento' can be a more general need or demand.

Related Translations

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