How to Say "to consent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to consent” is “consentir” — use 'consentir' when you are formally permitting or allowing something to happen, often implying a conscious decision to agree..
consentir
/kon-sen-TEER//kon.senˈtiɾ/
Examples
Mi padre no consintió que me quedara fuera hasta tarde.
My father did not consent to me staying out late.
No puedo consentir que llegues tarde todos los días.
I cannot allow you to arrive late every day.
Ella consintió en participar en el proyecto.
She agreed/consented to participate in the project.
El juez no consintió la evidencia.
The judge did not allow the evidence.
Using 'en' with Consentir
When you want to say 'to consent TO doing something,' you often need to use the word 'en' before the next action. For example: 'Consintió en venir' (He agreed to come).
Subjunctive Alert!
When 'consentir' means 'to allow someone else to do something,' the second verb in the sentence needs a special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'No consiento que VAYAS' (I don't allow you to go).
Don't forget the 'que'
Mistake: “No consiento tú ir.”
Correction: No consiento que vayas. You need the word 'que' to link the two parts of the sentence when there are two different people involved.
otorgar
/oh-tor-GAHR//otorˈɡaɾ/
Examples
La academia decidió otorgar el premio al mejor estudiante.
The academy decided to grant the award to the best 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').
Consentir vs. Otorgar
Related Translations
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