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How to Say "surrender" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entregar

en-treh-GARen.tɾeˈɣaɾ

verbB1general
Use this verb when referring to giving oneself up to authorities, like a criminal to the police, or more generally, yielding to fate or a situation.
A solitary figure standing on a green hillside with both arms extended slightly, palms facing upward in a gesture of yielding or surrender.

Examples

El sospechoso decidió entregarse a la policía.

The suspect decided to surrender to the police.

El criminal se entregó después de una larga persecución.

The criminal surrendered after a long chase.

Se entregaron por completo a la música y al arte.

They dedicated themselves completely to music and art.

The Reflexive Form (Entregarse)

When you use 'entregarse' (with 'se,' 'me,' 'te,' etc.), it means the person is the one performing the action AND the one receiving it, implying a voluntary surrender or total commitment.

rendición

nounB2formal, military
This noun specifically refers to the act of surrender in a military conflict, war, or a formal argument where one side yields to the other.

Examples

La rendición incondicional fue exigida por el vencedor.

Unconditional surrender was demanded by the victor.

entrega

en-TREH-gahenˈtɾe.ɣa

nounB2general, emotional
Use this noun to describe a total giving up or dedication to something, often in an emotional or personal context, like to a cause or a task, not typically in a conflict.
A person kneeling, deeply focused and carefully tending to a single, small plant in a garden, symbolizing intense commitment.

Examples

Su entrega al proyecto fue admirable.

His surrender/dedication to the project was admirable.

El atleta mostró una entrega total a su entrenamiento.

The athlete showed total dedication to his training.

Tras el asedio, se firmó la entrega de la ciudad.

After the siege, the surrender of the city was signed.

Abstract Usage

This meaning is often modified by adjectives like 'total' or 'completa' to emphasize the degree of devotion or surrender.

Mixing Dedication Words

Mistake: “Using 'dedicación' when you mean an act of giving up.”

Correction: 'Entrega' covers both giving effort and giving up, while 'dedicación' only covers effort.

Verb vs. Noun for 'Surrender'

Learners often confuse the noun 'rendición' (formal surrender) with the verb 'entregarse' (to surrender oneself). Remember that 'entregarse' is used when a person gives themselves up, while 'rendición' is the act of yielding, typically in a conflict.

Related Translations

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