Inklingo

How to Say "to file" in Spanish

English → Spanish

archivo

ar-CHEE-voh/aɾˈtʃi.βo/

verbB1
Use 'archivo' when you are talking about organizing and storing documents in a systematic way.
A hand is shown placing a document into an organized filing cabinet drawer, illustrating the action of filing.

Examples

Yo archivo todos los documentos al final del día.

I file all the documents at the end of the day.

Decidieron archivar el caso por falta de pruebas.

They decided to shelve (or close) the case due to lack of evidence.

Regular -AR Verb

'Archivar' follows the simplest conjugation pattern for Spanish verbs. Once you know how to conjugate 'hablar' (to talk), you know 'archivar'!

presentar

preh-sehn-TAHR/pɾesenˈtaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'presentar' when you are officially submitting something like a tax return, a complaint, or an application.
An illustration of a hand submitting a stack of official documents tied with a ribbon onto a large desk.

Examples

Necesitas presentar la solicitud antes del viernes.

You need to submit the application before Friday.

Mi abogado presentó las pruebas al juez.

My lawyer presented the evidence to the judge (or submitted the evidence).

Use with Direct Objects

This meaning always requires a direct object: you must 'presentar' something (the document, the report, the complaint).

Filing Documents vs. Submitting Forms

Learners often confuse 'archivo' and 'presentar' by using 'archivo' when they mean to submit a formal document like taxes or an application. Remember, 'archivo' is for organizing and storing, while 'presentar' is for official submission.

Related Translations

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