How to Say "to exempt" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to exempt” is “liberar” — use 'liberar' when someone is being freed from a specific obligation, duty, or restriction, often by a formal decision..
liberar
/lee-beh-RAHR//liβeˈɾaɾ/
Examples
El gobierno decidió liberar a los ciudadanos del pago de impuestos este año.
The government decided to exempt citizens from paying taxes this year.
El juez ordenó liberar al acusado por falta de pruebas.
The judge ordered the accused to be freed due to lack of evidence.
Quiero liberar a mi perro de la correa para que corra.
I want to free my dog from the leash so he can run.
La organización trabaja para liberar a los animales de granjas industriales.
The organization works to free animals from factory farms.
Regular -AR Verb
Like many common Spanish verbs, 'liberar' follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. Just remove the '-ar' and add the standard endings for the tense you need.
Confusing 'liberar' and 'dejar'
Mistake: “Usar 'dejar' cuando se refiere a liberar de una atadura o prisión (e.g., 'Dejé al prisionero').”
Correction: Use 'liberar' when the action involves setting someone or something completely free from constraint or capture. Use 'dejar' when you mean 'to leave' or 'to allow.'
perdonar
/per-doh-NAR//peɾðoˈnaɾ/
Examples
Me perdonaron la multa por llegar tarde al trabajo.
They exempted me from the fine for arriving late to work.
El banco le perdonó la mitad de la deuda.
The bank excused him half of the debt (waived half the debt).
Perdona mi ignorancia, pero ¿qué significa esa palabra?
Excuse my ignorance, but what does that word mean?
Por favor, perdona el ruido; estamos en obras.
Please excuse the noise; we are doing construction.
Forgiving Things, Not People
In this sense, 'perdonar' often takes the thing being excused (like a debt or a noise) as the direct object, rather than focusing on the person.
Liberar vs. Perdonar
Related Translations
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