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How to Say "to confess" in Spanish

English → Spanish

confesar

kon-feh-SAR/kon.feˈsaɾ/

verbA2
Use 'confesar' when directly admitting guilt, wrongdoing, or a secret, especially in a religious or legal context.
A small child stands next to a broken ceramic vase on the floor, raising their hands in a gesture of admission or apology towards an unseen person.

Examples

El ladrón confesó su crimen a la policía.

The thief confessed his crime to the police.

Debo confesar que no me gustó la película.

I must admit that I didn't like the movie.

Ella confiesa la verdad solo cuando la presionan.

She only reveals the truth when they pressure her.

The Stem Change (e > ie)

In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'confesar' changes to 'ie' (confIESo, confIESas) except for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms, which remain 'confesamos' and 'confesáis'.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo confesó (Incorrect present tense)”

Correction: Yo confieso. Remember the 'e' changes to 'ie' in the 'I', 'you (singular)', and 'they' forms.

admitir

ahd-mee-TEER/aðmiˈtiɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'admitir' for a more formal acknowledgement that something is true, often involving responsibility or a mistake, but not necessarily guilt.
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

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.

cantar

/can-TAR//kanˈtaɾ/

verbC1informal
Use 'cantar' informally when someone 'spills the beans' or reveals secrets/information, especially under pressure, like in an interrogation.
Two simplified figures sitting opposite each other at a small table. One figure leans forward speaking intently, symbolizing a confession or admission.

Examples

Después de tres horas de interrogatorio, el sospechoso por fin cantó.

After three hours of interrogation, the suspect finally confessed (spilled the beans).

Tu hermano le cantó todo a tus padres sobre la fiesta.

Your brother ratted out everything (told everything) to your parents about the party.

Figurative Meaning

This is a figurative extension of the verb, implying that the person is 'making noise' or 'speaking up' when they were expected to be silent.

Register Mismatch

Mistake: “Using 'cantar' (confess) in a formal document or serious legal setting.”

Correction: Use 'confesar' or 'declarar' instead. 'Cantar' is strictly for informal or narrative contexts.

Confusing 'confesar' with 'admitir'

Learners often use 'confesar' when they simply mean to acknowledge something is true, when 'admitir' would be more appropriate. Remember, 'confesar' usually implies guilt or a significant secret, while 'admitir' is a broader acknowledgement.

Related Translations

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