How to Say "to confer" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to confer” is “conferir” — use 'conferir' when officially granting a title, degree, or status, especially in formal or academic contexts..
conferir
/kon-fe-reer//konfeˈɾiɾ/
Examples
El comité decidió conferirle el premio por su labor humanitaria.
The committee decided to award him the prize for his humanitarian work.
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 constitución atribuye al presidente el poder de veto.
The constitution grants the president the power of veto.
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.
Official Granting vs. Assigning Authority
Related Translations
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