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How to Say "testified" in Spanish

English → Spanish

declaró

/deh-klah-ROH//deklaˈɾo/

verbB2legal
Use 'declaró' when referring to a witness giving testimony in a formal legal setting, such as in court or before a judge.
A person sitting in a witness box in a courtroom, raising their right hand.

Examples

El testigo declaró ante el juez durante tres horas.

The witness testified before the judge for three hours.

Él no declaró todo el dinero en la aduana.

He didn't declare all the money at customs.

Formal Past Actions

When someone gives a formal statement, we use this specific past tense form to show the action is completed.

declarado

/deh-klah-RAH-doh//deklaˈɾaðo/

verbB1legal
Use 'declarado' when referring to a formal declaration or statement made by an authority, often in a broader legal or official context, but not typically for witness testimony.
A person standing on a small wooden crate with their hand raised, as if they have just finished speaking to a group.

Examples

El gobierno ha declarado el estado de emergencia.

The government has declared a state of emergency.

El testigo ya ha declarado ante el juez.

The witness has already testified before the judge.

The Past Participle

'Declarado' is the form used with 'haber' to talk about things that have happened. In this case, it never changes its ending.

Keeping it Neutral

Mistake: “Ellas han declaradas la verdad.”

Correction: Ellas han declarado la verdad. When used with 'haber' (have), the word always ends in -o.

Witness vs. Official Declaration

The most common mistake is using 'declarado' when a witness is speaking. Remember that 'declaró' specifically refers to a witness's testimony, while 'declarado' is more about official pronouncements.

Related Translations

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