How to Say "ruling" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “ruling” is “decisión” — use 'decisión' for a general formal judgment or decision, often from a court, but can also apply to other significant choices.
decisión
Examples
Fue una decisión difícil, pero creo que es la correcta.
It was a difficult decision, but I think it's the right one.
veredicto
veh-reh-DEEK-tohbeɾeˈðikto
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.
fallo
fá-yoˈfa.ʎo
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.
resolución
Examples
Esperamos la resolución del conflicto pronto.
We hope for a resolution to the conflict soon.
dictamen
deek-TAH-mendikˈtamen
Examples
El comité emitirá su dictamen el próximo lunes.
The committee will issue its report next Monday.
Necesitamos un dictamen pericial para el juicio.
We need an expert opinion for the trial.
El dictamen médico confirmó que no hay lesiones graves.
The medical report confirmed that there are no serious injuries.
Making it Plural
When you make this word plural, it gains an accent mark: 'dictámenes.' This happens to keep the emphasis on the correct syllable.
It's a 'Man' Word
Words ending in '-men' in Spanish are almost always masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it.
Don't use it for casual opinions
Mistake: “Mi dictamen es que la película es mala.”
Correction: Mi opinión es que la película es mala.
dirigente
dee-ree-hen-tehdiɾiˈxente
Examples
La clase dirigente debe escuchar las demandas del pueblo.
The ruling class must listen to the people's demands.
Pertenece al grupo dirigente de la organización.
They belong to the leading group of the organization.
Matching the noun
Even though it ends in 'e', if you describe more than one thing, add an 's' (las clases dirigentes).
gobernante
go-ber-NAN-teɡoβerˈnante
Examples
El partido gobernante perdió las elecciones.
The governing party lost the elections.
La coalición gobernante anunció nuevas medidas económicas.
The ruling coalition announced new economic measures.
Las élites gobernantes tienen mucha responsabilidad.
The ruling elites have a lot of responsibility.
Placement after the noun
When used as a description, 'gobernante' almost always comes after the thing it describes (e.g., 'el partido gobernante').
disposición
Examples
La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.
The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.
auto
OW-tohˈau.to
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-vohdisposiˈtiβo
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.
Legal vs. General Rulings
Related Translations
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