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How to Say "to accept" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aceptar

ah-sep-TAR/aθepˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'aceptar' when you are agreeing to receive something offered, like a gift, an invitation, or help.
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-TEER/aðmiˈtiɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'admitir' when talking about officially allowing entry or approval, such as for applications or new members.
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.'

asumir

ah-soo-MEER/a.suˈmiɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'asumir' when you need to face and come to terms with a difficult reality, responsibility, or consequence.
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.

Aceptar vs. Admitir vs. Asumir

Learners often confuse 'aceptar' with 'admitir'. Remember that 'aceptar' is about receiving something offered, while 'admitir' is about granting official entry or approval. 'Asumir' is distinct, referring to accepting a difficult situation or consequence.

Related Translations

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