How to Say "to ratify" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to ratify” is “ratificar” — use 'ratificar' when referring to the formal confirmation or validation of official documents, treaties, or agreements by an authorized body..
ratificar
/ra-tee-fee-CAR//ratifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
El comité debe ratificar las conclusiones del informe.
The committee must ratify the report's conclusions.
El senado debe ratificar el tratado de paz mañana.
The senate must ratify the peace treaty tomorrow.
Los países ratificaron el acuerdo sobre el cambio climático.
The countries ratified the agreement on climate change.
Es necesario que todos los socios ratifiquen el contrato.
It is necessary for all partners to formally approve the contract.
Spelling Change Alert
When a word ends in -car, the 'c' changes to 'qu' before an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (ratifiqué) and in all forms of the subjunctive (ratifique).
Ratificar vs. Rectificar
Mistake: “Using 'ratificar' when you mean to correct something.”
Correction: Use 'rectificar' to correct a mistake; use 'ratificar' to confirm a decision.
sancionar
/san-syo-NAR//sanθjoˈnaɾ/
Examples
El presidente sancionó la ley de presupuesto para el próximo año.
The president ratified the budget law for the next year.
El jefe de estado sancionó la nueva ley de educación.
The head of state ratified the new education law.
El congreso espera que el presidente sancione el proyecto.
Congress expects the president to sign the bill into law.
Formal objects
This meaning usually involves a law, a decree, or a budget as the thing being 'sancionado'.
Confusing the two meanings
Mistake: “Thinking the president 'punished' a law when the news says 'sancionó la ley'.”
Correction: Remember that in high-level government news, 'sancionar' usually means official approval, not punishment.
Ratificar vs. Sancionar
Related Translations
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