Inklingo

How to Say "ruling" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “ruling” is “decisión” — use 'decisión' for a general formal judgment or decision, especially when it's not necessarily a legal ruling but a formal conclusion..

decisiónA2

Use 'decisión' for a general formal judgment or decision, especially when it's not necessarily a legal ruling but a formal conclusion.

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fallo🔊B2

Choose 'fallo' specifically for a court's official decision or judgment in a legal case.

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veredicto🔊B1

Use 'veredicto' when referring to the official decision made by a jury after considering the evidence.

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disposiciónC1

Employ 'disposición' for a governmental or administrative order, decree, or regulation that sets a rule.

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auto🔊C1

Use 'auto' for a specific type of judicial order or writ issued by a judge, often procedural or preliminary.

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dispositivo🔊C1

Select 'dispositivo' for an official decision, provision, or arrangement, often in a legal or administrative context, that establishes a rule or plan.

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English → Spanish

decisión

NounA2General
Use 'decisión' for a general formal judgment or decision, especially when it's not necessarily a legal ruling but a formal conclusion.

Examples

Fue una decisión difícil, pero creo que es la correcta.

It was a difficult decision, but I think it's the right one.

fallo

/fá-yo//ˈfa.ʎo/

NounB2Formal, Legal
Choose 'fallo' specifically for a court's official decision or judgment in a legal case.
A serious judge wearing a black robe seated behind a large wooden bench, raising one hand in a formal, decisive gesture, symbolizing a ruling.

Examples

El fallo del tribunal fue a favor de la demandante.

The court's ruling was in favor of the plaintiff.

La prensa espera el fallo final sobre el caso de corrupción.

The press awaits the final verdict on the corruption case.

Formal Use

This meaning is almost always used when discussing legal or official decisions made by a judge or official body.

veredicto

veh-reh-DEEK-toh/beɾeˈðikto/

NounB1Formal, Legal
Use 'veredicto' when referring to the official decision made by a jury after considering the evidence.
A close-up view of a traditional wooden judge's gavel resting on its matching round sound block.

Examples

El jurado emitió su veredicto después de tres días de deliberación.

The jury issued its verdict after three days of deliberation.

Todos esperaban el veredicto final del juez sobre el caso.

Everyone was awaiting the judge's final ruling on the case.

El veredicto del público sobre la nueva tecnología fue muy positivo.

The public's judgment on the new technology was very positive.

Gender Check

'Veredicto' is always a masculine noun, so it must be paired with masculine articles and adjectives: 'el veredicto' or 'un veredicto'.

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer un veredicto (To do a verdict)”

Correction: Emitir un veredicto (To issue a verdict). 'Emitir' is the specific verb used when a jury or judge formally declares their decision.

disposición

NounC1Formal, Governmental
Employ 'disposición' for a governmental or administrative order, decree, or regulation that sets a rule.

Examples

La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.

The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.

auto

/OW-toh//ˈau.to/

NounC1Legal, Formal
Use 'auto' for a specific type of judicial order or writ issued by a judge, often procedural or preliminary.
A heavy wooden judge's gavel firmly resting on a wooden sound block on a mahogany desk, symbolizing a court ruling.

Examples

El juez emitió un auto de procesamiento contra el acusado.

The judge issued a writ of indictment against the accused.

El abogado está estudiando el auto para preparar la apelación.

The lawyer is studying the ruling to prepare the appeal.

dispositivo

dis-poh-see-TEE-voh/disposiˈtiβo/

NounC1Formal, Legal, Administrative
Select 'dispositivo' for an official decision, provision, or arrangement, often in a legal or administrative context, that establishes a rule or plan.
A stylized, official-looking red wax seal being pressed onto a rolled-up parchment scroll by a hand, symbolizing a legal provision.

Examples

El dispositivo legal entrará en vigor el próximo mes.

The legal provision will come into effect next month.

Según el dispositivo del contrato, debemos pagar la multa.

According to the clause/provision of the contract, we must pay the fine.

Distinguishing Court Rulings

Learners often confuse 'fallo' and 'veredicto'. Remember that 'fallo' is the general term for any court decision, while 'veredicto' specifically refers to the decision made by a jury. 'Decisión' is a more general term for any decision, not necessarily legal.

Related Translations

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