How to Say "to award" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to award” is “conceder” — use 'conceder' when formally granting something like a prize, scholarship, or a wish, often implying a formal decision or bestowal.
Use 'conceder' when formally granting something like a prize, scholarship, or a wish, often implying a formal decision or bestowal.
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Use 'otorgar' when officially giving or granting something, especially a loan, prize, or recognition, emphasizing the formal act of giving.
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Use 'adjudicar' specifically when assigning or allocating something, such as a contract, a prize in a competition, or a property, often through a formal process.
Learn more →kon-seh-DERkon.seˈðeɾ
Examples
El comité le concedió una beca para sus estudios.
The committee granted him a scholarship for his studies.
El genio le concedió tres deseos.
The genie granted him three wishes.
La universidad me concedió una beca completa.
The university awarded me a full scholarship.
El ayuntamiento ha concedido el permiso para el festival.
The city council has granted the permit for the festival.
Who gets the grant?
In Spanish, you must include a 'little helper word' like 'me', 'te', or 'le' to show who is receiving the action. For example: 'Le concedieron el premio' (They granted him the prize).
Regular conjugation
Even though it sounds fancy, it follows the standard pattern for all -er verbs like 'comer' or 'beber'.
Don't use it for simple favors
Mistake: “Concedeme la sal.”
Correction: Pásame la sal. 'Conceder' is too formal for dinner table requests; use it for big, official things.
oh-tor-GAHRotorˈɡaɾ
Examples
La universidad otorgó un premio por su investigación innovadora.
The university awarded a prize for his innovative research.
El banco decidió otorgar el préstamo para la nueva casa.
The bank decided to grant the loan for the new house.
Le otorgaron el premio Nobel de Literatura el año pasado.
They awarded him the Nobel Prize in Literature last year.
La constitución otorga derechos fundamentales a todos.
The constitution grants fundamental rights to everyone.
The 'G' to 'GU' Swap
To keep the hard 'G' sound, change 'g' to 'gu' when the ending starts with an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (otorgué) and all present forms of the 'special wish' (subjunctive) mood.
Official Giving
Use this word when the 'giving' involves authority. If a friend gives you a gift, use 'dar' or 'regalar'. If a judge gives a verdict, use 'otorgar'.
Spelling in the Past
Mistake: “Yo otorgé un premio.”
Correction: Yo otorgué un premio. (Without the 'u', it would sound like 'oh-tor-HAY' instead of 'oh-tor-GAY').
ad-hoo-dee-KARaðxuðiˈkaɾ
Examples
La empresa ganó el contrato que el gobierno iba a adjudicar.
The company won the contract that the government was going to award.
El jurado va a adjudicar el premio esta tarde.
The jury is going to award the prize this afternoon.
Le adjudicaron la obra a una empresa constructora local.
They awarded the construction project to a local company.
Es injusto adjudicarle toda la responsabilidad a ella.
It is unfair to assign all the responsibility to her.
The Spelling Swap
When you use the 'I' form in the past (yo), the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'K' sound: 'adjudiqué' (I awarded).
The 'To Whom' Rule
When awarding something to someone, always use 'a' before the person or group receiving it: 'Adjudicar el contrato A la empresa'.
Don't confuse with 'premiar'
Mistake: “Usar adjudicar para un premio personal como un regalo.”
Correction: Use 'premiar' for personal rewards and 'adjudicar' for formal, official decisions like business bids or legal wins.
Choosing between 'conceder' and 'otorgar'
Learners often confuse 'conceder' and 'otorgar' as they both mean to grant or award. 'Conceder' is more common for scholarships or wishes, while 'otorgar' is frequently used for loans and formal recognition, though there is overlap.
Related Translations
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