Inklingo

How to Say "to register" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inscribir

een-skree-BEERinskɾiˈβiɾ

verbA2formal enrollment
Use 'inscribir' when you are officially enrolling or signing up a person (often yourself or a child) into an institution like a school, club, or program.
A child handing a registration form to a friendly teacher at a desk.

Examples

Los padres deben inscribir a sus hijos antes de fin de mes.

Parents must enroll their children before the end of the month.

Tengo que inscribir a mi hijo en la escuela.

I have to enroll my son in school.

Me voy a inscribir en el curso de cocina.

I'm going to sign myself up for the cooking course.

Ellos inscribieron a su equipo en el torneo.

They registered their team in the tournament.

Doing it yourself with 'se'

If you are signing yourself up, you must add 'me', 'te', or 'se' to the word (inscribirse). Example: 'Me inscribo' means 'I sign myself up'.

The tricky past form

Unlike most '-ir' verbs that end in '-ido' for past actions, this one is special. Use 'inscrito' (registered) instead of 'inscribido'.

The 'Inscribido' Trap

Mistake: “He inscribido a mi hija.”

Correction: He inscrito a mi hija. (Always use 'inscrito' as the past form that describes a state or a completed action).

registrar

rre-hees-TRARrexisˈtɾaɾ

verbA2to record or sign up
Use 'registrar' when you are signing your name or providing information to be officially noted or recorded, such as on a guest list or for an event.
A person writing in a large ledger book with a quill pen.

Examples

Por favor, registra tu nombre en la entrada.

Please register your name at the entrance.

Tienes que registrar tu nombre en la lista.

You have to record your name on the list.

El termómetro registró una temperatura muy alta.

The thermometer recorded a very high temperature.

Me voy a registrar en el hotel ahora mismo.

I am going to check in to the hotel right now.

Using it with 'se'

When you want to say 'to check in' or 'to sign up,' use the reflexive form: 'registrarse.' For example, 'Me registré ayer' (I checked in yesterday).

Don't confuse with 'Search'

Mistake: “Using 'buscar' when you mean an official search.”

Correction: Use 'registrar' when a policeman or official is searching/inspecting bags or property.

Inscribir vs. Registrar: Enrollment vs. Recording

Learners often confuse 'inscribir' and 'registrar' because both involve signing up. Remember that 'inscribir' is for formal enrollment into a program or institution, while 'registrar' is for simply noting or recording your name on a list or for an event.

Related Translations

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