How to Say "valid" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “valid” is “válido” — use this for something that is legally binding, officially accepted, or logically sound and reasonable..
válido
Examples
Este pasaporte ya no es válido.
This passport is no longer valid.
válido
Examples
Tienes un punto válido, pero no estoy de acuerdo.
You have a valid point, but I don't agree.
aplicable
/ah-plee-KAH-blay//a.pliˈka.βle/
Examples
Este descuento no es aplicable a productos ya rebajados.
This discount is not applicable to items already on sale.
Las leyes locales son aplicables a todos los residentes.
Local laws are applicable to all residents.
Debemos determinar si esta teoría es aplicable a nuestro experimento.
We must determine if this theory is applicable to our experiment.
Gender Equality
This word ends in -e, which means it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine or feminine thing. For example: 'un código aplicable' and 'una regla aplicable'.
The 'a' Connection
When you want to say who or what something applies to, always use the word 'a' (to) after 'aplicable'. Think of it as 'applicable TO'.
Confusing with 'aplacable'
Mistake: “Usar 'aplacable' para leyes.”
Correction: Use 'aplicable'. 'Aplacable' means someone who can be calmed down (from 'aplacar').
Gender Agreement
Mistake: “una ley aplicabla”
Correction: una ley aplicable (the ending doesn't change to 'a' for feminine words).
vigente
/bee-HEN-teh//biˈhente/
Examples
Mi pasaporte todavía está vigente por dos años más.
My passport is still valid for two more years.
Debemos seguir la normativa vigente para evitar multas.
We must follow the current regulations to avoid fines.
Esa vieja tradición sigue vigente en muchos pueblos rurales.
That old tradition is still in use in many rural towns.
One Form for All
This word ends in 'e,' which means it stays exactly the same whether you are talking about a masculine thing (un contrato) or a feminine thing (una ley).
Use with 'Estar'
We usually use this word with 'estar' because being valid or current is often seen as a status that could change in the future.
The 'Vigenta' Error
Mistake: “La ley vigenta.”
Correction: La ley vigente. Remember that adjectives ending in 'e' don't change to 'a' for feminine words.
Confusing 'Vigente' with 'Legal'
Mistake: “Saying 'vigente' when you just mean something is allowed.”
Correction: Use 'vigente' specifically to say something is *currently* active or hasn't expired yet.
hábil
Examples
El banco procesará el pago en tres días hábiles.
The bank will process the payment in three business days.
Válido vs. Vigente vs. Aplicable
Related Translations
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