Inklingo

How to Say "to admit" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to admit” is “admitir” — use 'admitir' when you mean to allow entry or access, such as into a place or program, or to confess or acknowledge the truth of something.

English → Spanish

admitir

ahd-mee-TEERaðmiˈtiɾ

verbB1/B2
Use 'admitir' when you mean to allow entry or access, such as into a place or program, or to confess or acknowledge the truth of something.
A scene showing a small person happily walking through an open, welcoming gate, signaled forward by a friendly guard.

Examples

Debo admitir que cometí un error.

I must admit that I made a mistake.

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.'

Using 'que'

When admitting a full statement (like 'I admit that I was wrong'), you must use the word 'que' (that) to connect the two parts: 'Admito que me equivoqué.'

Mixing Confession and Allowance

Mistake: “Using 'Admitió a su culpabilidad.'”

Correction: Say 'Admitió su culpabilidad.' The personal 'a' is not used here because 'culpabilidad' (guilt) is a concept, not a person.

confesar

kon-feh-SARkon.feˈsaɾ

verbA2
Use 'confesar' specifically when revealing a secret or admitting to a wrongdoing, often to an authority figure or in a religious context.
A small child stands next to a broken ceramic vase on the floor, raising their hands in a gesture of admission or apology towards an unseen person.

Examples

El sospechoso confesó haber estado en la escena del crimen.

The suspect confessed to being at the crime scene.

El ladrón confesó su crimen a la policía.

The thief confessed his crime to the police.

Debo confesar que no me gustó la película.

I must admit that I didn't like the movie.

Ella confiesa la verdad solo cuando la presionan.

She only reveals the truth when they pressure her.

The Stem Change (e > ie)

In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'confesar' changes to 'ie' (confIESo, confIESas) except for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms, which remain 'confesamos' and 'confesáis'.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo confesó (Incorrect present tense)”

Correction: Yo confieso. Remember the 'e' changes to 'ie' in the 'I', 'you (singular)', and 'they' forms.

internar

een-tehr-NAHRinteɾˈnaɾ

verbB1
Use 'internar' when the context is admitting someone to a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility for treatment or observation.
A friendly nurse helping a patient sit in a comfortable hospital bed in a bright room.

Examples

Fue necesario internar al paciente de urgencia.

It was necessary to admit the patient to the hospital as an emergency.

Tuvieron que internar a mi abuela para hacerle unas pruebas.

They had to admit my grandmother to run some tests.

El juez ordenó internar al joven en un reformatorio.

The judge ordered the young man to be sent to a juvenile detention center.

Sus padres lo internaron en un colegio privado en Suiza.

His parents sent him to a private boarding school in Switzerland.

The Personal 'a'

In Spanish, when the person receiving the action is a specific human, you must put the word 'a' before them. For example: 'Internaron a María' (They admitted Maria).

Don't confuse with 'enterrar'

Mistake: “Me van a enterrar en el hospital.”

Correction: Me van a internar en el hospital. 'Enterrar' means to bury someone underground, while 'internar' is for staying in a facility.

conceder

kon-seh-DERkon.seˈðeɾ

verbB2
Use 'conceder' when acknowledging a point in an argument or discussion, essentially agreeing with someone's statement.
Two people talking at a table where one person is nodding and holding up a hand in agreement.

Examples

Te concedo que la película fue un poco larga.

I admit to you that the movie was a bit long.

Te concedo que el viaje fue un poco largo.

I admit to you that the trip was a bit long.

Tengo que conceder que ella tiene razón en este punto.

I have to admit that she is right on this point.

El candidato concedió la victoria a su oponente.

The candidate conceded victory to his opponent.

Using 'que'

When you want to say you admit a specific fact, follow the verb with 'que' + the rest of your sentence.

Don't confuse with 'confess'

Mistake: “Concedo mis pecados.”

Correction: Confieso mis pecados. Use 'conceder' for acknowledging a point or a victory, not for confessing secrets or sins.

asociar

ah-so-sy-ahrasoˈsjaɾ

verbB2formal
Use 'asociar' when referring to formally making someone a member of a society, organization, or business, or pooling resources.
Two people in professional attire shaking hands to symbolize a partnership.

Examples

Decidieron asociar sus empresas para competir mejor.

They decided to admit their companies into an association to compete better.

Decidieron asociar sus capitales para abrir el restaurante.

They decided to pool their capital to open the restaurant.

La organización quiere asociar a más voluntarios este año.

The organization wants to bring in more volunteers this year.

Es beneficioso asociar esfuerzos para lograr el éxito.

It is beneficial to join forces to achieve success.

Business Context

In a professional setting, this word is used to describe bringing people or assets together for a legal or commercial purpose.

Admitir vs. Confesar

Learners often confuse 'admitir' and 'confesar'. Remember that 'confesar' is typically used for admitting wrongdoing or revealing secrets, while 'admitir' is broader and can mean to allow entry or simply acknowledge a fact.

Related Translations

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