How to Say "proceedings" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “proceedings” is “acta” — use 'acta' to refer to the official written record of what happened or was decided during a meeting or formal event.
acta
AK-tahˈakta
Examples
El secretario leyó el acta de la reunión anterior.
The secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting.
Todos los socios deben firmar el acta para que sea oficial.
All partners must sign the minutes for them to be official.
Se levantó un acta detallando los puntos acordados.
A formal record was drawn up detailing the points agreed upon.
The 'A' Rule
Even though 'acta' is a feminine word, we say 'el acta' instead of 'la acta.' This happens because the word starts with a stressed 'a' sound. It's just a trick to make the language flow better so you don't have two 'a' sounds bumping into each other!
Keeping it Feminine
While we use 'el' for one 'acta,' the word remains feminine. This means any words describing it must end in 'a.' For example, you say 'el acta completA' (the complete record), not 'completo.' Also, when there's more than one, we go back to normal: 'las actas.'
The Article Trap
Mistake: “La acta de la reunión.”
Correction: El acta de la reunión. Always use 'el' for singular 'acta' to avoid the double 'a' sound clash.
expedientes
eks-peh-DYEN-tessekspeˈðjentes
Examples
Tengo que organizar todos los expedientes de los clientes.
I have to organize all the client files.
El abogado revisó los expedientes antes del juicio.
The lawyer reviewed the case files before the trial.
La policía abrió varios expedientes para investigar el caso.
The police opened several files to investigate the case.
Plural and Gender
This is the plural form of 'expediente.' It is a masculine noun, so you always use 'los' or 'unos' with it (e.g., los expedientes).
False Friend Alert
Mistake: “Using 'expedientes' to mean 'expeditions' (trips).”
Correction: Use 'expediciones' for trips or voyages. 'Expedientes' refers specifically to paperwork or records.
autos
AH-tohsˈau̯.tos
Examples
El abogado solicitó una copia certificada de todos los autos para la apelación.
The lawyer requested a certified copy of all the proceedings for the appeal.
El secretario judicial archivó los autos después de la sentencia.
The court clerk filed the case files after the ruling.
Context is Key
This meaning is almost always used in official, legal, or bureaucratic settings. If you hear 'autos' outside of a courtroom, it almost certainly means 'cars'.
Acta vs. Expediente vs. Autos
Related Translations
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