Inklingo

How to Say "to ensure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to ensure” is “asegurar” — use 'asegurar' when you mean to take actions or make sure that a specific outcome will happen, often in a direct, practical sense..

English → Spanish

asegurar

ah-seh-goo-RAHR/aseɣuˈɾaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'asegurar' when you mean to take actions or make sure that a specific outcome will happen, often in a direct, practical sense.
A curious person holding a large magnifying glass to closely examine a single red apple, symbolizing verification or making sure of something.

Examples

Asegúrate de que tienes las llaves antes de cerrar.

Make sure that you have the keys before closing up.

Me aseguré de que todos estuvieran bien después del accidente.

I made sure that everyone was okay after the accident.

Reflexive Action

When using 'asegurarse,' the 'se' tells us that the action of checking or verifying is directed back at the speaker ('I make sure myself').

Using 'Que'

This meaning is almost always followed by 'de que' (or just 'que' in some regions) and then the information you are verifying.

Dropping the Pronoun

Mistake: “Asegura de que tienes el dinero. (Missing reflexive pronoun)”

Correction: Asegúrate de que tienes el dinero. (The pronoun 'te' is needed because you are telling the person to check for themselves.)

asegurarse

ah-seh-goo-RAHR-seh/aseɣuˈɾaɾse/

verb (reflexive)A2general
This reflexive form is used to emphasize the personal action of making sure something is the case, often implying a personal responsibility.
A cartoon character firmly pressing down on a large, securely fastened padlock on a sturdy wooden storage chest, indicating they are verifying its security.

Examples

Asegúrate de que la puerta esté cerrada antes de salir.

Make sure the door is closed before leaving.

Me aseguré de tener todo lo necesario para el viaje.

I made sure I had everything necessary for the trip.

Ella siempre se asegura de que sus invitados estén cómodos.

She always ensures her guests are comfortable.

The Reflexive Pronoun ('se')

Since this is 'asegurarse,' you must use the little pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) that matches the person doing the action. The action of making sure is directed back at the person doing the checking.

Using 'de que'

When you use 'asegurarse' to confirm a fact, it is usually followed by 'de que' (or sometimes just 'que'), like: 'Me aseguré de que todo estuviera bien.' (I made sure that everything was fine.)

Forgetting the Reflexive Part

Mistake: “Aseguro la puerta.”

Correction: Me aseguro de la puerta. (Unless you mean 'I lock/fasten the door' which is the non-reflexive verb 'asegurar'.) When you mean 'make sure,' you must use the 'se' form.

asegurarte

/ah-seh-goo-RAHR-teh//aseɣuˈɾaɾte/

verbA2informal
This is the informal 'tú' form of the reflexive verb 'asegurarse,' used when directly telling one person to make sure of something.
A person double-checking that a front door is locked by pulling on the handle.

Examples

Tienes que asegurarte de que la puerta esté cerrada.

You have to make sure that the door is closed.

Antes de salir, debes asegurarte de llevar las llaves.

Before leaving, you should make sure to take the keys.

Es importante asegurarte con un buen arnés antes de escalar.

It is important to secure yourself with a good harness before climbing.

The 'te' at the end

The 'te' means 'yourself'. It is attached to the end of the action word when you are giving a command or using an 'ing' form (like 'by making sure').

The magic word 'de'

When you want to say 'make sure THAT...', you almost always need to say 'asegurarte DE que'. Skipping the 'de' is a common mistake for learners.

Missing 'de'

Mistake: “asegurarte que”

Correction: asegurarte DE que

garantizar

/gah-rahn-tee-SAHR//ɡaɾantiˈsaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'garantizar' when you want to give a formal assurance or guarantee that something will happen, often implying a stronger commitment or a more official context.
Two people shaking hands firmly in front of a warm, solid background.

Examples

Queremos garantizar que todos reciban su invitación.

We want to ensure that everyone receives their invitation.

El éxito no se puede garantizar en este negocio.

Success cannot be guaranteed in this business.

Te garantizo que te va a gustar la película.

I guarantee you that you are going to like the movie.

Spelling Change Alert

The 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever it's followed by the letter 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (garanticé) and all forms of the special 'wish/command' verb form (garantice).

Spelling error: garanticé

Mistake: “Writing 'garantizé'.”

Correction: Always use a 'c' before an 'e' in these endings. Think of it like a family rule for verbs ending in -zar.

Asegurar vs. Garantizar

Learners often confuse 'asegurar' and 'garantizar.' While both mean 'to ensure,' 'garantizar' implies a stronger, more formal promise or guarantee. Use 'asegurar' for everyday actions of making sure, and 'garantizar' for more official commitments or assurances.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.