Inklingo

How to Say "testimony" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “testimony” is “testimonio” — use this word for a witness's formal account or statement, especially in a legal or official setting, like recounting what you saw.

testimonio🔊B1

Use this word for a witness's formal account or statement, especially in a legal or official setting, like recounting what you saw.

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declaraciones🔊B1

This plural form is best for referring to multiple statements or official remarks made by someone, often in a public or political context.

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declaraciónB2

Use this singular form when referring to a specific, formal statement taken by authorities, such as by the police or in a court.

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evidencia🔊A2

This word translates to 'evidence' and is used for proof or signs found at a crime scene or in an investigation, not for a person's spoken account.

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fe🔊C1

Use this when you want to express attesting to something's truth or authenticity, often in a formal or official capacity, like certifying a signature.

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English → Spanish

testimonio

tes-ti-MOH-niotes.tiˈmo.njo

nounB1formal
Use this word for a witness's formal account or statement, especially in a legal or official setting, like recounting what you saw.
A man stands in a simple setting, speaking clearly with an open hand gesture, offering a statement to another person who is seated and listening attentively.

Examples

El testigo dio su testimonio ante el juez después del accidente.

The witness gave his testimony before the judge after the accident.

Su vida es un testimonio de que todo es posible con esfuerzo.

His life is a testament (or testimony) that everything is possible with effort.

El sacerdote compartió un testimonio de fe con la congregación.

The priest shared a testimony of faith with the congregation.

Always Masculine

Since 'testimonio' ends in '-o', it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el testimonio'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La testimonio”

Correction: El testimonio. Even though it relates to 'la persona' (the person), the word itself is masculine.

declaraciones

deh-klah-rah-SYOH-nehsde.kla.ɾaˈθjo.nes

nounB1formal
This plural form is best for referring to multiple statements or official remarks made by someone, often in a public or political context.
A person stands at a simple wooden podium, speaking into a black microphone, representing an official public statement.

Examples

Las declaraciones del presidente causaron controversia.

The president's statements caused controversy.

El juez escuchó las declaraciones de los testigos.

The judge listened to the witnesses' testimony.

Ella se negó a hacer declaraciones a la prensa.

She refused to make statements to the press.

Always Plural in This Context

When talking about official remarks or testimony, the plural form 'declaraciones' is almost always used, even if the English translation uses a singular idea like 'testimony' or 'statement'.

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: “Using 'una declaración' when referring to a set of public comments.”

Correction: Use 'las declaraciones' for the collection of remarks, or 'un comentario' for a single, specific comment.

declaración

nounB2formal
Use this singular form when referring to a specific, formal statement taken by authorities, such as by the police or in a court.

Examples

La policía tomó la declaración del testigo clave.

The police took the testimony/statement of the key witness.

evidencia

eh-vee-DEHN-seeaheβiˈðenθja

nounA2
This word translates to 'evidence' and is used for proof or signs found at a crime scene or in an investigation, not for a person's spoken account.
A large magnifying glass hovering over a distinct, fresh footprint pressed into soft dirt, symbolizing proof.

Examples

La policía encontró evidencia clave en la escena del crimen.

The police found key evidence at the crime scene.

No hay suficiente evidencia para culparlo.

There is not enough proof to blame him.

La evidencia muestra que el calentamiento global es real.

The evidence shows that global warming is real.

Feminine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in -ción or -dad, 'evidencia' is always feminine. Use 'la' and 'una' with it: 'la evidencia.'

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “El evidencia (using masculine article).”

Correction: Use the feminine article: 'La evidencia.' Always treat it as a feminine word.

fe

/fay/ (rhymes with the English word 'day')fe

nounC1formal
Use this when you want to express attesting to something's truth or authenticity, often in a formal or official capacity, like certifying a signature.
A perfectly crafted, smooth, and detailed wooden key resting on a simple red velvet cushion, representing authenticity and validity.

Examples

El abogado dio fe de la firma del contrato.

The lawyer attested to (certified) the signature on the contract.

Se presume que actuó de buena fe durante las negociaciones.

It is presumed that he acted in good faith during the negotiations.

The 'Dar Fe' Phrase

The phrase 'dar fe' is used when someone (often an official like a notary or clerk) confirms that something is true, real, or happened, giving it legal weight.

Testimonio vs. Declaración

Learners often confuse 'testimonio' and 'declaración'. Remember that 'testimonio' usually refers to a witness's personal account, while 'declaración' is a more general term for a statement, especially one officially recorded.

Related Translations

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