How to Say "to earmark" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to earmark” is “destinar” — use 'destinar' when reserving or allocating resources or funds for a specific, often long-term, purpose..
destinar
/dehs-tee-NAHR//des.tiˈnaɾ/
Examples
Se debe destinar más presupuesto a la investigación científica.
More budget must be allocated to scientific research.
Debemos destinar más recursos a la educación.
We must allocate more resources to education.
Voy a destinar el domingo a descansar.
I am going to set aside Sunday for resting.
La empresa decidió destinar los beneficios a la investigación.
The company decided to earmark the profits for research.
Using the word 'a'
When you say what the resource is being allocated FOR, always use the word 'a' (to). Example: 'Destinar dinero A la salud' (Allocate money TO health).
Using 'para' instead of 'a'
Mistake: “Destino mi tiempo para estudiar.”
Correction: Destino mi tiempo A estudiar. While 'para' is understood, 'a' is the natural partner for this verb in Spanish.
asignar
/ah-seen-YAR//asiˈnaɾ/
Examples
El director asignó fondos adicionales para el nuevo proyecto.
The director assigned additional funds for the new project.
El profesor asignó mucha tarea para el fin de semana.
The teacher assigned a lot of homework for the weekend.
Debemos asignar un color diferente a cada carpeta.
We should assign a different color to each folder.
El gobierno decidió asignar más fondos a la investigación médica.
The government decided to allocate more funds to medical research.
Using 'a' with People
When you assign something TO someone, use the word 'a' before the person receiving the task (e.g., 'Asigné la tarea a Juan').
A Regular Pattern
This verb follows the standard rules for -ar verbs, making it very predictable to conjugate.
The 'Sign' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'asignar' when you mean to sign a document.”
Correction: Use 'firmar' for signing your name. 'Asignar' is only for giving out tasks or resources.
Missing the Object
Mistake: “Saying 'El jefe asignó' without saying what was assigned.”
Correction: In Spanish, you usually need to mention the task or item being assigned.
designar
/deh-seen-yar//desiɣˈnaɾ/
Examples
Se designaron zonas específicas del parque para acampar.
Specific areas of the park were designated for camping.
Las líneas rojas designan las zonas de peligro.
The red lines identify the danger zones.
El gobierno designó fondos para la educación.
The government earmarked funds for education.
Esta palabra se usa para designar un tipo de planta.
This word is used to denote a type of plant.
Used with inanimate objects
Unlike the first meaning (appointing people), when identifying things or places, you do NOT use the 'personal a'.
Overusing Designar
Mistake: “Designa la sal, por favor.”
Correction: Use 'pásame' or 'señala'. 'Designar' is too formal for everyday objects at the dinner table.
Destinar vs. Asignar
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.