How to Say "to bestow" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to bestow” is “conceder” — use this verb when granting something abstract or intangible, such as honors, titles, wishes, or permission..
conceder
/kon-seh-DER//kon.seˈðeɾ/
Examples
El rey le concedió un título nobiliario.
The king granted him a noble title.
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.
otorgar
/oh-tor-GAHR//otorˈɡaɾ/
Examples
La fundación otorgó una beca al estudiante destacado.
The foundation awarded a scholarship to the outstanding student.
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').
conferir
/kon-fe-reer//konfeˈɾiɾ/
Examples
La academia decidió conferirle la medalla al mérito.
The academy decided to bestow the medal of merit upon him.
La universidad decidió conferir el título de doctor honoris causa.
The university decided to grant the honorary doctorate degree.
La constitución le confiere poderes especiales al presidente.
The constitution grants special powers to the president.
Es un honor conferir este premio a una científica tan brillante.
It is an honor to bestow this award on such a brilliant scientist.
The Stem-Change Rule
This verb is tricky! In the present, the 'e' changes to 'ie' (yo confiero). However, in the 'we' and 'you all' forms, it stays as 'e'. In the past and the 'special forms' (subjunctive), that 'e' sometimes changes to a simple 'i' (él confirió).
Formal 'Giving'
Use this word when the 'giving' is official or legal. For example, a king giving a title or a law giving a right. For birthday presents, just use 'dar' or 'regalar'.
Confusing with 'dar'
Mistake: “Le voy a conferir un regalo a mi hermano.”
Correction: Le voy a dar un regalo a mi hermano. 'Conferir' is too formal for casual gifts.
atribuir
/ah-tree-bwee-r//atɾiˈβwiɾ/
Examples
La nueva legislación atribuye más poder al parlamento.
The new legislation bestows more power upon the parliament.
La ley le atribuye facultades especiales al director.
The law bestows special powers upon the director.
Se le atribuyen funciones de supervisión al comité.
Supervisory functions are conferred upon the committee.
Formal Passive
This meaning is often used with 'se' (e.g., 'se atribuyen') to describe what powers are given to an office without naming a specific person who gave them.
Conceding vs. Granting vs. Awarding
Related Translations
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