How to Say "to recant" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to recant” is “retractar” — B2 level.
Examples
El periódico tuvo que retractarse de la noticia falsa.
The newspaper had to retract the fake news story.
Si no te retractas de tus insultos, no hablaré contigo.
If you don't take back your insults, I won't speak with you.
El testigo se retractó de su declaración ante el juez.
The witness recanted his statement before the judge.
The 'Se' Requirement
In most everyday situations, you'll see this word as 'retractarse.' This means the person is doing the action to their own statement. Without the 'se,' it sounds like you are withdrawing a physical object or a legal document.
Using 'De' to connect
When you want to say what specifically is being taken back, always follow the verb with the word 'de' (retractarse de...).
Missing the 'Se'
Mistake: “Él retractó lo que dijo.”
Correction: Él SE retractó de lo que dijo. (You need 'se' to show he is taking back his own words, and 'de' to link to the statement.)
Related Translations
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