Inklingo

How to Say "to concede" in Spanish

English → Spanish

admitir

ahd-mee-TEERaðmiˈtiɾ

verbB2general
Use 'admitir' when you are acknowledging that something is true or valid, often reluctantly, like admitting a mistake or a fact.
A scene depicting a child standing next to a table with a spilled glass of milk, raising their hand slightly in a gesture of acknowledgment.

Examples

El testigo tuvo que admitir que vio al sospechoso.

The witness had to admit that they saw the suspect.

Tuve que admitir que mi plan no funcionó.

I had to admit that my plan didn't work.

El sospechoso admitió su culpabilidad durante el interrogatorio.

The suspect admitted his guilt during the interrogation.

Debo admitir que tienes razón en este punto.

I must concede that you are right on this point.

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.

conceder

kon-seh-DERkon.seˈðeɾ

verbB2general
Use 'conceder' when you are yielding or granting something, such as a request, a right, or admitting that someone else is right in an argument.
Two people talking at a table where one person is nodding and holding up a hand in agreement.

Examples

Después de debatir, el profesor me concedió la razón.

After debating, the professor conceded that I was right.

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.

encajar

en-kah-HARen.kaˈxaɾ

verbB2sports, figurative
Use 'encajar' specifically in sports to mean 'to concede a goal' or 'to let in a goal'. It can also be used metaphorically for accepting criticism.
A sturdy, brave wooden shield standing firm against a strong gust of wind and falling leaves.

Examples

Nuestro equipo encajó dos goles en la primera mitad.

Our team conceded two goals in the first half.

Encajó la crítica con mucha madurez.

He took the criticism with a lot of maturity.

El equipo encajó tres goles en la primera parte.

The team conceded three goals in the first half.

Le costó encajar la noticia del despido.

It was hard for him to take the news of the firing.

Emotional Reaction

This use of 'encajar' often describes how well someone processes difficult or negative information.

Confusing 'Admitir' vs. 'Conceder'

Learners often confuse 'admitir' and 'conceder'. Remember, 'admitir' is about acknowledging truth or fact, while 'conceder' implies yielding or granting something to another party.

Related Translations

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