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How to Say "to affirm" in Spanish

English → Spanish

afirmar

ah-fear-MAHRa.fiɾˈmaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'afirmar' when you want to state something as a fact or truth in a general sense.
A person with a cheerful expression nodding their head in agreement.

Examples

Afirmó que había estado allí.

He affirmed that he had been there.

El testigo afirmó la verdad de su declaración.

The witness confirmed the truth of his statement.

—¿Estás seguro? —Afirmativo, estoy seguro.

—Are you sure? —Yes, I'm sure.

Saying yes firmly

In informal Spanish, people often say '¡Afirmativo!' (affirmative) or just 'Afirm' as a casual way to say yes, similar to 'yeah!' in English.

Confusing afirmar with afirmar

Mistake: “Using 'afirmar' when you mean 'to make something firm physically'”

Correction: Use 'asegurar' or 'fijar' for the physical meaning (to secure/attach something).

asegurar

ah-seh-goo-RAHRaseɣuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'asegurar' when you want to state something with strong conviction or to give assurance, often to convince someone.
Two people shaking hands firmly in agreement, symbolizing a promise or assurance.

Examples

Te aseguro que la reunión empieza a las diez en punto.

I assure you that the meeting starts at ten sharp.

El director aseguró que el proyecto estaría terminado para el viernes.

The director guaranteed that the project would be finished by Friday.

Asegurar vs. Asegurarse

When you 'asegurar' (without 'se'), you are making a promise to someone else. When you 'asegurarse' (with 'se'), you are verifying something for yourself.

Incorrect Use of Subjunctive

Mistake: “Aseguro que sea verdad. (Incorrect verb form)”

Correction: Aseguro que es verdad. (Use the normal verb form (indicative) because 'asegurar' expresses certainty, not doubt or desire.)

confirmar

kon-fir-MARkon.fiɾˈmaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'confirmar' when you need to verify or establish the truth of something that is uncertain.
A smiling person giving a clear thumbs up gesture while holding a simple document, indicating that they have verified or confirmed the information.

Examples

¿Puedes confirmar si el correo electrónico es correcto?

Can you confirm if the email is correct?

El presidente confirmó los rumores sobre la nueva ley.

The president confirmed the rumors about the new law.

Ella confirmó su versión de los hechos ante el juez.

She affirmed her version of the facts before the judge.

Direct Use

Unlike some verbs, 'confirmar' usually takes a direct object (the thing being confirmed) without needing extra prepositions: 'Confirmo el pago' (I confirm the payment).

Using 'de' incorrectly

Mistake: “Voy a confirmar de la reserva.”

Correction: Voy a confirmar la reserva. ('Confirmar' acts directly on the noun.)

decretar

deh-creh-TARde.kɾe.ˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'decretar' for making strong personal declarations or positive affirmations about the future, similar to 'to decree' or 'to manifest'.
A person standing on a mountain peak with their arms open wide looking at a sunrise, representing a positive affirmation.

Examples

Hoy decreto que será un día lleno de éxitos.

Today I manifest that it will be a day full of success.

Ella siempre decreta abundancia para su familia.

She always affirms abundance for her family.

Si quieres algo, decrétalo al universo.

If you want something, manifest it to the universe.

Direct Object vs. That-Clause

You can 'decretar' a thing (Yo decreto abundancia) or 'decretar' that something will happen (Yo decreto que me irá bien). Both are common in this context.

Don't confuse with 'decir'

Mistake: “Yo decreto que el perro tiene hambre.”

Correction: Yo digo que el perro tiene hambre. 'Decretar' implies you are trying to make the reality happen through your words, not just stating a fact.

Afirmar vs. Asegurar vs. Confirmar

Learners often confuse 'afirmar,' 'asegurar,' and 'confirmar.' Remember that 'afirmar' is a general statement of truth. Use 'asegurar' when you are strongly convincing someone, and 'confirmar' specifically for verification or checking if something is true.

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