Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| declaración jurada | /deklaɾaθjon xuɾada/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /deklaɾasjon xuɾada/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| afidávit | /afiˈdabit/ | masculine |
| affidavit | /afiˈdabit/ | masculine, alternative form |
An affidavit is a legal, signed document wherein an affiant makes a sworn statement (noun).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase declaración jurada literally means 'sworn statement', where declaración is 'statement' and jurada is the feminine past participle of jurar (to swear).
Which one should you use?
Declaración jurada is the standard, widely used term for an affidavit in all Spanish-speaking legal systems, whereas afidávit is a loanword used primarily in specific legal contexts or regions influenced by English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Declaración jurada is the appropriate formal term to use in legal documents and official proceedings. Other formal alternatives include Declaración Jurada and Declaración Bajo Juramento.
How does it change in a sentence?
Declaración jurada is a feminine noun phrase. The masculine form afidávit is also used, and affidavit is recognized as an alternative spelling of afidávit.
How do you pronounce it?
/deklaɾaθjon xuɾada/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a declaración jurada is often processed before a notario público, who has significantly more legal power and authority than a typical notary public in the US.
- In some administrative contexts, a declaración jurada is used for 'self-certification', allowing a person to swear to a fact to avoid providing a physical certificate.
- The Spanish term jurada comes from the verb jurar, which is the same verb used for 'swearing' an oath in a religious context, linking legal truth to moral truth.
Examples in context
- El abogado presentó una declaración jurada como evidencia en el juicio.The lawyer submitted an affidavit as evidence in the trial.
- Necesito que completes esta declaración jurada antes de cerrar el caso.I need you to complete this affidavit before closing the case.
- Podrías hacer una declaración escrita explicando lo sucedido?Could you make a written statement explaining what happened?
- El testigo hizo una declaración jurada informal ante las autoridades.The witness made an informal affidavit before the authorities.
- Necesito firmar la declaración jurada.I need to sign the affidavit.
- El abogado preparó la declaración jurada.The lawyer prepared the affidavit.
- Adjunté una declaración jurada al expediente.I attached an affidavit to the file.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing legal paperwork in an office.
- Lucía¿Ya tienes lista la declaración jurada, Javier?Do you have the affidavit ready, Javier?
- JavierSí, la declaración jurada está completa.Yes, the affidavit is complete.
- LucíaPerfecto, envíamela por correo electrónico.Perfect, send it to me by email.
- JavierLo haré ahora mismo, Lucía.I will do it right now, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “affidavit” translations and entries afidávit, affidavit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
