How to Say "to justify" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to justify” is “justificar” — use this common translation when you need to provide a reason or explanation for an action or behavior, essentially defending it..
justificar
/hoos-tee-fee-kar//xustifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
No puedes justificar tu mala conducta con el estrés.
You can't justify your bad behavior with stress.
Él intentó justificar por qué llegó tarde.
He tried to explain why he arrived late.
El fin no siempre justifica los medios.
The end doesn't always justify the means.
Asegúrate de justificar el texto del documento.
Make sure to justify the text of the document.
The 'C' to 'QU' Switch
When the letter 'c' is followed by an 'e', it changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'K' sound. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (justifiqué) and all command/wish forms (justifique).
Spelling the Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo justificé mi respuesta.”
Correction: Yo justifiqué mi respuesta. (Always use 'qu' before 'e' to keep the hard 'c' sound).
excusar
/ex-koo-SAR//eksuˈsaɾ/
Examples
Por favor, excusa mi tardanza; había mucho tráfico.
Please excuse my lateness; there was much traffic.
No trates de excusar su mal comportamiento.
Don't try to justify his bad behavior.
Él se excusó por no haber llamado antes.
He apologized for not having called sooner.
Using 'por' for reasons
When you want to say what you are apologizing for, use the word 'por' followed by the reason. For example: 'Me excuso por llegar tarde' (I apologize for arriving late).
Reflexive form for personal apologies
If you are the one apologizing, add 'se' to the end (excusarse). This tells the listener that you are acting on yourself to provide an explanation or apology.
Excusar vs. Perdonar
Mistake: “Using 'excusar' for serious crimes or sins.”
Correction: Use 'excusar' for social errors or manners. Use 'perdonar' for deep forgiveness or emotional hurt.
disculpar
/dees-kool-PAR//dis.kulˈpaɾ/
Examples
Disculpa, ¿sabes dónde está la estación?
Excuse me, do you know where the station is?
Te disculpo por no haber avisado antes.
I forgive you for not letting me know earlier.
Disculpe, señor, ¿tiene un momento?
Pardon me, sir, do you have a moment?
The Two Forms of 'You'
Spanish has two ways to say 'you.' Use 'disculpa' with friends, family, and children. Use 'disculpe' with strangers, older people, and in formal situations. This is called the 'tú' (friendly) vs 'usted' (formal) distinction.
Disculpar vs Pedir Disculpas
'Disculpar' means to excuse or forgive someone ELSE. 'Pedir disculpas' means to apologize yourself. Example: 'Te disculpo' (I forgive you) vs 'Pido disculpas' (I apologize).
Using the Wrong Form for the Situation
Mistake: “Using 'disculpa' with a stranger or in a job interview.”
Correction: Use 'disculpe' in formal situations. In Spain and Latin America, always use the formal form with people you don't know well.
Confusing Disculpar with Acusar
Mistake: “Using 'disculpar' when you mean to blame someone.”
Correction: Remember: 'disculpar' is the positive action (forgive), while 'acusar' or 'culpar' is the negative action (blame). They are opposites!
razonar
/rah-soh-NAR//rasoˈnaɾ/
Examples
El alumno debe razonar su respuesta.
The student must justify/explain their answer.
Razonamos nuestra decisión ante el comité.
We explained the logic behind our decision to the committee.
Es importante razonar los motivos del cambio.
It is important to provide the reasons for the change.
Directly followed by the object
When explaining a specific thing (like an answer), you don't need a preposition. Just say 'razonar la respuesta'.
fundar
/foon-DAHR//funˈdaɾ/
Examples
No puedes fundar tu acusación solo en rumores.
You cannot base your accusation solely on rumors.
Su teoría se funda en años de investigación científica.
His theory is based on years of scientific research.
El juez debe fundar su sentencia en la ley.
The judge must ground his sentence in the law.
Using 'En'
When you want to say you are basing an idea 'on' something, always use the word 'en'. For example: 'Se funda en la verdad' (It is based on the truth).
Reflexive Use
You will often see this as 'fundarse' (to be based). It’s a very common way to describe theories or legal decisions in the passive voice.
Wrong Preposition
Mistake: “Fundo mi idea sobre la experiencia.”
Correction: Fundo mi idea en la experiencia. (Use 'en' instead of 'sobre' when talking about foundations for arguments.)
motivar
/moh-tee-BAHR//motiˈβaɾ/
Examples
La lluvia motivó la cancelación del evento.
The rain caused the cancellation of the event.
El juez debe motivar su sentencia.
The judge must justify his sentence (provide the reasons for it).
Object focus
In this formal sense, the thing being caused is usually the direct focus (e.g., 'motivar el cambio').
justificar
/hoos-tee-fee-kar//xustifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
Asegúrate de justificar el texto del documento.
Make sure to justify the text of the document.
No puedes justificar tu mala conducta con el estrés.
You can't justify your bad behavior with stress.
Él intentó justificar por qué llegó tarde.
He tried to explain why he arrived late.
El fin no siempre justifica los medios.
The end doesn't always justify the means.
The 'C' to 'QU' Switch
When the letter 'c' is followed by an 'e', it changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'K' sound. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (justifiqué) and all command/wish forms (justifique).
Spelling the Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo justificé mi respuesta.”
Correction: Yo justifiqué mi respuesta. (Always use 'qu' before 'e' to keep the hard 'c' sound).
Justificar vs. Excusar/Disculpar
Related Translations
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