Inklingo

How to Say "to guarantee" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to guarantee” is “asegurar” — use 'asegurar' when you are vouching for something, essentially giving your word that something is true or will happen.

English → Spanish

asegurar

ah-seh-goo-RAHRaseɣuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'asegurar' when you are vouching for something, essentially giving your word that something is true or will happen.
Two people shaking hands firmly in agreement, symbolizing a promise or assurance.

Examples

Te aseguro que la reunión empieza a las diez en punto.

I assure you that the meeting starts at ten sharp.

El director aseguró que el proyecto estaría terminado para el viernes.

The director guaranteed that the project would be finished by Friday.

Asegurar vs. Asegurarse

When you 'asegurar' (without 'se'), you are making a promise to someone else. When you 'asegurarse' (with 'se'), you are verifying something for yourself.

Incorrect Use of Subjunctive

Mistake: “Aseguro que sea verdad. (Incorrect verb form)”

Correction: Aseguro que es verdad. (Use the normal verb form (indicative) because 'asegurar' expresses certainty, not doubt or desire.)

asegurarme

a-se-gu-rar-measeɣuˈɾaɾme

verbA2general
Use 'asegurarme' when you need to make sure or confirm that a particular outcome is achieved or a condition is met.
A young child wearing a blue bicycle helmet is pulling the chin strap firmly with both hands, looking focused to ensure the helmet is securely fastened before riding.

Examples

Necesito asegurarme de que la puerta está cerrada antes de salir.

I need to make sure that the door is closed before leaving.

Quiero asegurarme de que todos mis invitados estén cómodos.

I want to ensure that all my guests are comfortable.

Debes asegurarte de firmar aquí, pero si lo digo yo, es asegurarme.

You must make sure to sign here, but if I say it, it's 'asegurarme'.

The 'Me' Ending

The '-me' at the end means the action of 'asegurar' (to assure) is directed back at 'yo' (me). This is the base form, used after verbs like 'quiero' (I want) or 'necesito' (I need).

Using 'De Que'

After 'asegurarme,' you almost always need the little word 'de' before 'que' when introducing what you are checking: 'Necesito asegurarme de que...' (I need to make sure that...).

Forgetting the 'Me'

Mistake: “Quiero asegurar la información.”

Correction: Quiero asegurarme de la información. ('Asegurar' without 'me' means to insure or secure something else, like a car or a loan.)

garantizar

gah-rahn-tee-SAHRɡaɾantiˈsaɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'garantizar' for formal promises or when you are officially assuring that something will happen or be provided.
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.

respaldar

rrehs-pahl-dahrres.palˈdaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'respaldar' when providing financial or moral support and backing for someone or something.
A person placing a supportive hand on a friend's shoulder to show solidarity.

Examples

Mis padres siempre respaldan mis decisiones.

My parents always support my decisions.

El presidente respaldó el nuevo plan de salud.

The president endorsed the new health plan.

No tienes pruebas que respalden lo que dices.

You don't have evidence to back up what you're saying.

It's completely regular

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you already know how to conjugate 'respaldar'!

Using it with evidence

When you want to say that facts 'back up' an idea, use 'respaldar' followed directly by what is being supported.

Choosing between Apoyar and Respaldar

Mistake: “Using 'respaldar' to describe leaning against a wall.”

Correction: Use 'apoyarse'. 'Respaldar' is for metaphorical support (like ideas or people), not physical leaning.

avalar

ah-bah-LAHRaβaˈlaɾ

verbB1formal
Use 'avalar' specifically when providing financial or legal backing, such as a co-signer for a loan or rental.
A sturdy golden padlock securing a heavy wooden chest, representing financial guarantee.

Examples

Mis padres me avalan para que pueda alquilar el apartamento.

My parents are guaranteeing for me so that I can rent the apartment.

El banco no te dará el préstamo si nadie te avala.

The bank won't give you the loan if no one co-signs for you.

Tuvimos que avalar la deuda de la empresa con nuestros propios bienes.

We had to guarantee the company's debt with our own assets.

Directly backing someone

Unlike English where you might say 'guarantee for someone,' in Spanish you often 'avalar' the person or thing directly. Example: 'Ellos me avalan' (They guarantee me).

Using 'para' unnecessarily

Mistake: “Mis padres avalan para el préstamo.”

Correction: Mis padres avalan el préstamo. You don't need 'para' because the verb directly targets the thing being guaranteed.

Asegurar vs. Garantizar

Learners often confuse 'asegurar' and 'garantizar'. 'Asegurar' is typically used for personal assurances or making sure something is done, while 'garantizar' implies a more formal promise or a commitment to provide something.

Related Translations

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