How to Say "proceedings" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “proceedings” is “actos” — use 'actos' when referring to official ceremonies, events, or formal functions..
actos
AHK-tohs/ˈaktos/
Examples
Los actos conmemorativos del día de la independencia fueron muy concurridos.
The commemorative ceremonies for Independence Day were very crowded.
Los actos oficiales de la conmemoración se celebraron en la plaza.
The official ceremonies for the commemoration were held in the square.
El presidente asistirá a los actos de inauguración.
The president will attend the inauguration events.
expedientes
/eks-peh-DYEN-tess//ekspeˈðjentes/
Examples
El notario revisó los expedientes de propiedad antes de la firma.
The notary reviewed the property files before the signing.
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-tohs/ˈau̯.tos/
Examples
El juez ordenó la consulta de los autos del caso anterior.
The judge ordered a review of the previous case's proceedings.
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'.
Actos vs. Autos vs. Expedientes
Related Translations
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