How to Say "to validate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to validate” is “verificar” — use 'verificar' when you need to confirm the legality, authenticity, or correctness of something, often in a procedural or informational context.
verificar
beh-ree-fee-KAHRbeɾifiˈkaɾ
Examples
Por favor, verifica tu correo electrónico para activar la cuenta.
Please verify your email to activate the account.
El sistema tiene que verificar tu contraseña.
The system needs to verify your password.
Debemos verificar los datos antes de publicar el informe.
We must verify the data before publishing the report.
The Spelling Swap
In the 'I' form of the past (preterite) and in all 'wish' forms (subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'qu'. This is just to keep the hard 'K' sound: 'verifiqué' instead of 'verificé'.
Verificar vs. Revisar
Mistake: “Using 'verificar' when you just want to look over something casually.”
Correction: Use 'revisar' for browsing or reviewing, and 'verificar' when you specifically need to prove something is correct or true.
corroborar
ko-rro-bo-RAHRkoroβoˈɾaɾ
Examples
El ADN sirvió para corroborar la identidad del sospechoso.
The DNA served to corroborate the suspect's identity.
Varios testigos pueden corroborar mi versión de los hechos.
Several witnesses can back up my version of the events.
Los resultados del experimento corroboran nuestra hipótesis inicial.
The experiment results confirm our initial hypothesis.
Direct Action Word
This verb acts directly on the thing being confirmed. You don't need a middle word like 'with' in Spanish; just say 'corroborar la historia'.
Formal Tone
While 'confirmar' is used for every day things like flight bookings, 'corroborar' is reserved for serious situations like science experiments or legal cases.
Confusing with 'Colaborar'
Mistake: “Necesito colaborar tu historia.”
Correction: Necesito corroborar tu historia. 'Colaborar' means to work together; 'corroborar' means to prove a fact.
avalar
ah-bah-LAHRaβaˈlaɾ
Examples
Sus años de experiencia avalan su profesionalidad.
Her years of experience support her professionalism.
Varios científicos famosos avalaron el nuevo estudio.
Several famous scientists endorsed the new study.
Los datos avalan nuestra hipótesis inicial.
The data supports our initial hypothesis.
Abstract Subjects
In this meaning, the subject (the thing doing the 'aval') is often an abstract concept like 'experience' or 'data' rather than a person.
Confusing with 'aplaudir'
Mistake: “Todos avalan sus palabras.”
Correction: Avalar isn't just agreeing; it's providing credibility. Use 'apoyar' if you just mean agreement, and 'avalar' if the support adds authority.
Verificar vs. Corroborar
Related Translations
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