How to Say "validity" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “validity” is “validez” — use this for the general legal or official status of something, or for its logical soundness..
validez
/bah-lee-DEHS//baliˈdes/
Examples
La validez de tu contrato termina el próximo mes.
The validity of your contract ends next month.
Tu pasaporte tiene una validez de diez años.
Your passport is valid for ten years.
El billete de tren pierde su validez si no se usa hoy.
The train ticket loses its validity if it's not used today.
Necesitamos confirmar la validez legal del contrato antes de firmar.
We need to confirm the legal validity of the contract before signing.
Using 'Tener' with Validez
In Spanish, we usually say something 'has validity' (tiene validez) rather than just saying it 'is valid.' It focuses on the quality the object possesses.
Gender and Endings
Words ending in '-ez' that name qualities are almost always feminine (la validez). When you describe it, use feminine adjectives like 'la validez técnica'.
Abstract Quality
This word is often used with 'de' to explain what is being measured (la validez de + noun).
Validez vs. Validación
Mistake: “El contrato necesita validez.”
Correction: Depending on what you mean, use 'validación' for the *act* of making it valid, and 'validez' for the *state* of being valid.
Confusing with 'Valor'
Mistake: “El valor de tu argumento es alto.”
Correction: Use 'validez' for logic. 'Valor' usually refers to price, importance, or courage.
vigencia
/bee-HEN-syah//biˈxenθja/
Examples
La vigencia de esta licencia de conducir es de cinco años.
The validity of this driver's license is five years.
El pasaporte tiene una vigencia de diez años.
The passport has a validity of ten years.
Esa ley ya no tiene vigencia en este país.
That law is no longer in effect in this country.
Sus teorías científicas aún mantienen su vigencia.
His scientific theories still remain relevant today.
Using 'tener' vs. 'estar'
To say something is currently valid, we usually say it 'has validity' (tiene vigencia) rather than 'is validity'.
Abstract Noun Usage
This word describes the state of being active or 'alive' for a rule or document. It is always feminine.
Validity vs. Validation
Mistake: “La validación del pasaporte es de cinco años.”
Correction: La vigencia del pasaporte es de cinco años. 'Validación' is the act of making something valid; 'vigencia' is the time it stays valid.
efectividad
/eh-fek-tee-bee-DAHD//efektibiˈdad/
Examples
La efectividad de la nueva política aún no se ha demostrado.
The effectiveness of the new policy has not yet been demonstrated.
La efectividad de esta vacuna es muy alta.
The effectiveness of this vaccine is very high.
Necesitamos mejorar la efectividad de nuestro equipo de ventas.
We need to improve the effectiveness of our sales team.
El director cuestionó la efectividad de las nuevas normas.
The director questioned the effectiveness of the new rules.
The '-dad' Ending Rule
Most Spanish words ending in '-dad' are feminine. This means you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la' or 'una' (e.g., 'la efectividad').
Making it Plural
To talk about more than one type of effectiveness, just add '-es' to the end: 'las efectividades'. The 'd' doesn't change!
Efectividad vs. Efectivo
Mistake: “Using 'efectividad' when you mean 'cash'.”
Correction: Use 'efectivo' for 'cash' and 'efectividad' for 'how well something works'. Saying 'pagué con efectividad' sounds like you paid with a high-performance attitude instead of money!
fuerza
/FWER-sah//ˈfweɾ.θa/
Examples
La fuerza de la ley debe ser respetada por todos.
The force of the law must be respected by everyone.
La fuerza de su argumento convenció a todos.
The force of his argument convinced everyone.
La nueva ley entrará en fuerza la próxima semana.
The new law will come into force next week.
Necesitas mucha fuerza de voluntad para dejar de fumar.
You need a lot of willpower to quit smoking.
legitimidad
/le-hee-tee-mee-DAHD//lexitimiˈðað/
Examples
El tribunal cuestionó la legitimidad de la elección.
The court questioned the validity of the election.
La legitimidad del documento fue confirmada por el juez.
The document's validity was confirmed by the judge.
El gobierno perdió su legitimidad tras el escándalo.
The government lost its legitimacy after the scandal.
Muchos ciudadanos cuestionan la legitimidad de los resultados electorales.
Many citizens question the legitimacy of the election results.
Identifying Feminine Nouns
Spanish words ending in '-dad' are almost always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with this word.
Making it Plural
Since this word ends in a consonant (d), you make it plural by adding '-es' at the end: 'las legitimidades'.
Gender confusion
Mistake: “el legitimidad”
Correction: la legitimidad (Words ending in -dad are feminine, just like 'la felicidad' or 'la ciudad').
Confusing Legality with Legitimacy
Mistake: “Using it to mean just 'obeying a law'.”
Correction: Use 'legalidad' for things that follow laws, and 'legitimidad' for things that are widely accepted as being right or fair.
vigor
/bee-GOHR//biˈɡoɾ/
Examples
El acuerdo entró en vigor inmediatamente.
The agreement came into vigor immediately.
El abuelo todavía camina con mucho vigor cada mañana.
Grandpa still walks with a lot of strength every morning.
La nueva ley de tráfico entrará en vigor el próximo mes.
The new traffic law will come into force next month.
Debemos defender este proyecto con vigor para convencer al jefe.
We must defend this project with energy to convince the boss.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'r', 'vigor' is always a masculine noun. You must use masculine markers like 'el vigor' or 'mucho vigor'.
Using 'en vigor' without an article
When talking about laws or rules, we say 'en vigor' (in effect). You don't need to add 'el' in the middle; saying 'en el vigor' would sound unnatural to native speakers.
Confusion with 'vigencia'
Mistake: “La ley no tiene vigor.”
Correction: La ley no está en vigor / La ley no tiene vigencia.
procedencia
/pro-seh-DEN-syah//pɾoθeˈðenθja/
Examples
El juez rechazó el caso por falta de procedencia.
The judge rejected the case due to lack of admissibility.
El tribunal debe decidir sobre la procedencia del recurso.
The court must decide on the admissibility of the appeal.
Abstract Usage
In this sense, 'procedencia' doesn't mean a physical place, but rather if an action 'proceeds' or follows the rules correctly.
Validez vs. Vigencia
Related Translations
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