Inklingo

How to Say "renunciation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

renuncia

reh-NUN-see-ah/reˈnun.sja/

nounB1formal
Use 'renuncia' when referring to the formal act of giving up a right, a claim, or a position, such as resigning from a job or withdrawing a legal claim.
A stylized illustration of a professional person placing a simple, unsigned document onto an empty, clean desk in a quiet office, symbolizing a formal resignation.

Examples

El presidente presentó su renuncia después del escándalo.

The president submitted his resignation after the scandal.

La renuncia al cargo fue inesperada.

The renunciation of the position was unexpected.

Firmamos la renuncia a cualquier reclamo legal.

We signed the waiver of any legal claim.

Gender Check

Remember that 'renuncia' is a feminine noun, so use 'la renuncia' or 'una renuncia'.

Confusion with the Verb

Mistake: “Using 'renuncia' (the noun) where the verb 'renunciar' is needed, or vice-versa. They look identical, so check if the sentence needs an action (verb) or a thing (noun).”

Correction: Use 'Su renuncia fue aceptada' (noun) vs. 'Él renuncia hoy' (verb).

sacrificio

sah-kree-FEE-syoh/sa.kɾiˈfi.sjo/

nounA2general
Choose 'sacrificio' when the act of giving something up involves a significant personal cost, hardship, or the relinquishing of something valuable, not necessarily in a formal context.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a child carefully placing a single, shiny red apple onto a large, empty wooden plate, symbolizing giving up something valuable.

Examples

Estudiar todos los días fue un gran sacrificio, pero valió la pena.

Studying every day was a great sacrifice, but it was worth it.

Mis padres hicieron muchos sacrificios para que yo pudiera ir a la universidad.

My parents made many sacrifices so that I could go to university.

Su sacrificio y disciplina la llevaron a ganar la medalla de oro.

Her dedication and discipline led her to win the gold medal.

Using 'Hacer'

To talk about making a sacrifice, Spanish uses the verb 'hacer' (to do/make): 'hacer un sacrificio'.

Verb Choice

Mistake: “Hizo mucho sacrificio.”

Correction: Hizo muchos sacrificios. (Often used in the plural when referring to multiple acts of effort or renunciation.)

Renuncia vs. Sacrificio

Learners often confuse 'renuncia' and 'sacrificio' by using 'sacrificio' for formal resignations. Remember that 'renuncia' is specifically for formally stepping down from a role or giving up a formal right, while 'sacrificio' is broader and emphasizes the personal cost of giving something up.

Related Translations

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