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How to Say "surrender" in Spanish

English → Spanish

entregar

en-treh-GAR/en.tɾeˈɣaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'entregarse' (the reflexive form of entregar) when referring to the act of yielding oneself up to authorities, an enemy, or fate, often after a struggle or pursuit.
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 ladrón se entregó a la policía sin oponer resistencia.

The thief surrendered to the police without resistance.

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.

entrega

en-TREH-gah/enˈtɾe.ɣa/

nounB2
Use 'entrega' as a noun to describe a profound sense of dedication, commitment, or devotion to a task, cause, or person, rather than a literal giving up.
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; trabajó día y noche.

His dedication/surrender to the project was admirable; he worked day and night.

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.

Noun vs. Verb: Dedication vs. Yielding

The most common mistake is confusing the noun 'entrega' (dedication) with the verb 'entregarse' (to surrender oneself). Learners might incorrectly use 'entrega' when they mean the act of yielding, or use the verb form when they intend to express deep commitment.

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