Inklingo

How to Say "to issue" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to issue” is “emitir” — use this when referring to the official release or publication of documents, statements, reports, or currency by an authority or organization.

emitir🔊B2

Use this when referring to the official release or publication of documents, statements, reports, or currency by an authority or organization.

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extender🔊B2

This is used when an authority officially writes out or provides a specific document, such as a prescription, certificate, or license.

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cursar🔊B2

Choose this when referring to the processing or formal dispatch of an application, request, or official order within an administrative system.

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girar🔊B1

Use this specifically for financial transactions involving the issuance of checks or similar payment orders.

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dictar🔊B2

This applies to the formal pronouncement of laws, rulings, sentences, or official decrees by a judge or legislative body.

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liberar🔊B1

Use this when a company or entity makes information, such as reports or results, publicly available or releases them officially.

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editar🔊B2

This translation means 'to publish' or 'to release' a specific edition of a book, magazine, or other creative work.

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impartir🔊C1

This refers to the act of delivering or administering official orders, instructions, or abstract concepts like justice or knowledge.

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English → Spanish

emitir

eh-mee-TEERe.mi.'tiɾ

verbB2formal
Use this when referring to the official release or publication of documents, statements, reports, or currency by an authority or organization.
A colorful illustration of a printing press producing fresh, crisp paper bills that are sliding into a neat stack.

Examples

El gobierno emitió un comunicado oficial.

The government issued an official statement.

Es hora de emitir su voto.

It is time to cast your vote.

El banco va a emitir nuevas tarjetas de crédito.

The bank is going to issue new credit cards.

Formal Issuing

In official settings, use 'emitir' for releasing documents or money. It implies the source has the authority to make it valid.

Don't use for 'to give' (dar)

Mistake: “Me emitió un regalo.”

Correction: Me dio un regalo. 'Emitir' is for formal things like reports or votes, not personal gifts.

extender

eks-ten-DEHReks.tenˈdeɾ

verbB2formal
This is used when an authority officially writes out or provides a specific document, such as a prescription, certificate, or license.
A hand holding a formal golden quill pen, handing a large paper scroll with a red wax seal to another person.

Examples

El doctor me extendió una receta para la tos.

The doctor issued me a prescription for the cough.

Le extendieron un certificado de excelencia.

They issued him a certificate of excellence.

El banco extendió un cheque a su nombre.

The bank made out a check in your name.

Why 'Extend' for documents?

In Spanish, the idea is that you are 'stretching' or 'laying out' the ink and formal information onto the paper to make it official.

cursar

koor-SAHRkuɾˈsaɾ

verbB2formal
Choose this when referring to the processing or formal dispatch of an application, request, or official order within an administrative system.
A hand placing a formal paper into a wooden inbox tray on a clean desk.

Examples

La secretaría ya cursó su solicitud de beca.

The office has already processed your scholarship application.

Debemos cursar una invitación formal al director.

We must send a formal invitation to the director.

The Paperwork Verb

In a formal setting, 'cursar' describes the movement of a document from being received to being handled or sent to the next stage.

girar

hee-RAHRxiˈɾaɾ

VerbB1formal
Use this specifically for financial transactions involving the issuance of checks or similar payment orders.
A hand placing a rectangular, blank financial document onto a wooden desk, symbolizing issuance.

Examples

La empresa debe girar un cheque al proveedor mañana.

The company must issue a check to the supplier tomorrow.

¿Puedes girarme 50 euros por Western Union?

Can you transfer 50 euros to me via Western Union?

Specific Noun Requirement

In this context, 'girar' almost always needs a financial object right after it, such as 'un cheque' (a check) or 'un giro' (a money order/transfer).

dictar

deek-TARdikˈtaɾ

verbB2formal
This applies to the formal pronouncement of laws, rulings, sentences, or official decrees by a judge or legislative body.
A judge in a black robe sitting at a high wooden bench, holding a wooden gavel.

Examples

El juez dictó la sentencia esta mañana.

The judge handed down the sentence this morning.

El gobierno dictó nuevas leyes para el tráfico.

The government issued new laws for traffic.

No dejes que otros dicten tu destino.

Don't let others dictate your destiny.

Abstract Authority

You can use this word when talking about feelings or intuition 'ruling' your actions, just like a judge rules a case (e.g., 'lo que dicte el corazón').

liberar

lee-beh-RAHRliβeˈɾaɾ

verbB1formal
Use this when a company or entity makes information, such as reports or results, publicly available or releases them officially.
A person's hand gently releasing a brightly colored red balloon into the open air, symbolizing the act of releasing.

Examples

La farmacéutica liberó los resultados de los ensayos clínicos.

The pharmaceutical company released the results of the clinical trials.

El volcán liberó una gran cantidad de ceniza a la atmósfera.

The volcano released a large amount of ash into the atmosphere.

Por fin van a liberar la nueva versión del juego.

They are finally going to release the new version of the game.

Using the Future Tense

When talking about planned releases (products, movies), the simple future tense ('liberará') or the immediate future ('va a liberar') are both very common.

editar

eh-dee-TAHRe.ðiˈtaɾ

verbB2formal
This translation means 'to publish' or 'to release' a specific edition of a book, magazine, or other creative work.
A stack of freshly printed, colorful books being placed onto a bookstore shelf.

Examples

La editorial va a editar su novela el próximo mes.

The publishing house is going to publish his novel next month.

Este libro fue editado originalmente en España.

This book was originally published in Spain.

Queremos editar una revista para los estudiantes.

We want to publish a magazine for the students.

Difference from English 'Edit'

In English, 'edit' usually only means fixing text. In Spanish, 'editar' also covers the business of actually printing and releasing a book.

impartir

eem-par-TEERim.paɾ.ˈtiɾ

verbC1formal
This refers to the act of delivering or administering official orders, instructions, or abstract concepts like justice or knowledge.
A wooden gavel resting on a solid wood block.

Examples

Los jueces tienen el deber de impartir justicia con imparcialidad.

Judges have the duty to administer justice with impartiality.

El director impartió instrucciones precisas a todo el personal.

The director issued precise instructions to all the staff.

Official Power

This use of the word implies authority. Only someone in a high position (judge, general, CEO) typically 'imparts' justice or orders.

General vs. Specific Issuance

Learners often confuse general verbs like 'emitir' or 'extender' with more specific ones. For instance, while 'emitir' can mean issuing a statement, 'girar' is exclusively for issuing checks, and 'dictar' is for sentences or laws.

Related Translations

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