Inklingo

How to Say "to accept" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to accept” is “aceptar” — use 'aceptar' when you are agreeing to an offer, a gift, or an invitation.

English → Spanish

aceptar

ah-sep-TARaθepˈtaɾ

verbA1
Use 'aceptar' when you are agreeing to an offer, a gift, or an invitation.
A storybook illustration showing a person smiling happily as they accept a brightly wrapped gift box from someone else's outstretched hand.

Examples

¿Aceptas mi ayuda con la mudanza?

Do you accept my help with the move?

Ella aceptó el trabajo inmediatamente.

She accepted the job immediately.

Nunca acepto tarjetas de crédito, solo efectivo.

I never accept credit cards, only cash.

Direct Action Verb

Aceptar is straightforward, it directly acts upon the thing being accepted. For instance, 'Yo acepto el dinero' (I accept the money).

Confusing 'Aceptar' and 'Estar de acuerdo'

Mistake: “Using 'aceptar' when agreeing with an opinion: 'Acepto con tu idea.'”

Correction: Use 'Estar de acuerdo': 'Estoy de acuerdo con tu idea.' (I agree with your idea). 'Aceptar' is usually for offers or things, not opinions.

admitir

ahd-mee-TEERaðmiˈtiɾ

verbB1
Use 'admitir' when a place or institution is allowing someone or something in, like approving an application or entry.
A scene showing a small person happily walking through an open, welcoming gate, signaled forward by a friendly guard.

Examples

La universidad solo admite 100 estudiantes nuevos cada año.

The university only admits 100 new students every year.

¿Nos van a admitir en el museo si llegamos tarde?

Are they going to let us into the museum if we arrive late?

El club no admite mascotas grandes.

The club does not allow large pets.

Using 'a' with People

When you admit a person or animal, you must use the personal 'a' before them: 'Admitieron a mi hermano en la escuela.'

acatar

ah-kah-TARakaˈtaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'acatar' to mean obeying or complying with a decision, rule, or order without protesting.
A child putting toys into a wooden chest as directed by a parent.

Examples

Debemos acatar las reglas del juego.

We must obey the rules of the game.

El tenista decidió acatar la decisión del árbitro.

The tennis player decided to accept the referee's decision.

Es obligatorio acatar las nuevas medidas de seguridad.

It is mandatory to comply with the new security measures.

No extra words needed

Unlike the English phrase 'comply with', you don't need a preposition after 'acatar'. You go straight to the object: 'acatar la ley' (comply the law).

Rules vs. People

While you can use it for people, it's most often used for abstract things like laws, orders, or decisions rather than your parents or friends.

Using 'with'

Mistake: “Acato con las reglas.”

Correction: Acato las reglas. (Spanish doesn't need 'con' here).

asumir

ah-soo-MEERa.suˈmiɾ

verbB2
Use 'asumir' when referring to accepting a difficult reality, consequence, or responsibility, often with a sense of resignation.
A person standing calmly in the rain, looking up at the gray sky with a serene expression, symbolizing acceptance of a difficult situation.

Examples

Le costó mucho asumir la derrota después del partido.

It was very hard for him to accept the defeat after the game.

Ella tuvo que asumir que el proyecto no funcionaría.

She had to accept that the project wouldn't work.

Emotional Acceptance

In this meaning, 'asumir' describes the mental process of integrating a difficult fact, not just saying 'yes' to an invitation.

encajar

en-kah-HARen.kaˈxaɾ

verbB2
Use 'encajar' when someone receives or deals with bad news, criticism, or a defeat in a particular way, often implying resilience.
A sturdy, brave wooden shield standing firm against a strong gust of wind and falling leaves.

Examples

Encajó la crítica con mucha madurez.

He took the criticism with a lot of maturity.

El equipo encajó tres goles en la primera parte.

The team conceded three goals in the first half.

Le costó encajar la noticia del despido.

It was hard for him to take the news of the firing.

Emotional Reaction

This use of 'encajar' often describes how well someone processes difficult or negative information.

Aceptar vs. Acatar

Learners often confuse 'aceptar' and 'acatar'. Remember, 'aceptar' is for positive things like offers or invitations. 'Acatar' is for complying with rules or orders, implying obedience.

Related Translations

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