How to Say "to authorize" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to authorize” is “autorizar” — use 'autorizar' when you are officially giving permission for something to happen or for someone to do something..
autorizar
/ow-toh-ree-sahr//au̯toɾiˈsaɾ/
Examples
El gobierno autorizó la construcción del nuevo puente.
The government authorized the construction of the new bridge.
El director tiene que autorizar tu viaje de estudios.
The director has to authorize your study trip.
El banco todavía no ha autorizado la transferencia de dinero.
The bank has not authorized the money transfer yet.
Mis padres me autorizaron a salir hasta medianoche.
My parents authorized me to stay out until midnight.
The Z to C Spelling Change
When the letter 'z' is followed by the letter 'e', it changes to a 'c'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (autoricé) and throughout the special mood used for wishes/commands (subjunctive).
Using 'A' with People
When you authorize a person to do something, remember to put 'a' before the person: 'Autorizo a Juan'.
English Spelling Confusion
Mistake: “Yo authorizo el documento.”
Correction: Yo autorizo el documento. Spanish does not use 'th' for this sound; use 't' instead.
Missing the Connector
Mistake: “Me autorizaron ir al cine.”
Correction: Me autorizaron a ir al cine. Use 'a' between the verb 'autorizar' and the next action.
apoderar
ah-poh-deh-RAR/apoðeˈɾaɾ/
Examples
Necesito apoderar a mi abogado para que represente mis intereses en el tribunal.
I need to empower my lawyer to represent my interests in court.
Tengo que apoderar a mi abogado para que firme el contrato.
I have to authorize my lawyer so he can sign the contract.
La junta decidió apoderar al director para las negociaciones.
The board decided to empower the director for the negotiations.
Es necesario apoderar a un representante legal en el extranjero.
It is necessary to grant power of attorney to a legal representative abroad.
Empower vs. Authorized
While in English 'empower' is often about confidence, in Spanish 'apoderar' (without the 'se') is strictly legal. For boosting confidence, use 'empoderar'.
Confusing Personal and Legal Empowerment
Mistake: “Quiero apoderar a mis alumnos.”
Correction: Quiero empoderar a mis alumnos. Use 'empoderar' for social/personal inspiration; 'apoderar' sounds like you are giving them legal rights to sign your checks!
Permission vs. Legal Power
Related Translations
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