cumplimiento
/kumpliˈmjento/masculine
The English word 'compliance' can be translated into Spanish as cumplimiento. Wiktionary also lists acatamiento.
Meaning: act of complying (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cumplimiento | /kumpliˈmjento/ | masculine |
| acatamiento | /akataˈmjento/ | masculine |
In business or legal environments, the specific term for 'regulatory compliance' is cumplimiento normativo.
Which one should you use?
Use cumplimiento when the compliance refers to the fulfillment or completion of a task, duty or contract. Use acatamiento when the compliance refers specifically to the act of obeying or submitting to an authority, a law or a command.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, observancia is sometimes used to refer to compliance. In Argentina, conformidad can be used to express the concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun cumplimiento can be pluralized as cumplimientos. The masculine noun acatamiento can be pluralized as acatamientos.
How do you pronounce it?
/kumpliˈmjento/
Did you know?
- The verb 'cumplir' is used in many Spanish-speaking countries to describe 'turning a year older'. For example, to say you are thirty years old, you might say you are 'cumpliendo treinta años'.
- The word cumplimiento shares a root with the English word 'complement'. While 'compliance' feels like a strict obligation, both words stem from the Latin 'complēmentum', which refers to things that fill up or complete a whole.
- In a social context, if someone says they are performing a cumplimiento, they might not be talking about a law, but rather a social courtesy or a small favor, such as a polite greeting or a minor ritual of etiquette.
Examples in context
- El cumplimiento de las normas es fundamental para nuestro éxito.The compliance with the rules is fundamental for our success.
- El acatamiento de las leyes es un deber ciudadano.Compliance with the laws is a citizen's duty.
- Debes cumplir con las normas establecidas por el profesor.You must comply with the rules established by the teacher.
- Si queremos evitar problemas, debemos seguir las reglas establecidas.If we want to avoid problems, we must follow the established rules.
- El cumplimiento de las normas es obligatorio.Compliance with the rules is mandatory.
- Exigimos el cumplimiento de los términos del contrato.We demand compliance with the terms of the contract.
- El cumplimiento de los plazos es fundamental.Compliance with the deadlines is fundamental.
Example conversation
A manager and an employee discuss a new company policy in an office.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿has leído el nuevo protocolo?Daniel, have you read the new protocol?
- DanielSí, Sofía, estoy al tanto de todo.Yes, Sofía, I am aware of everything.
- SofíaEl cumplimiento es esencial para evitar sanciones.Compliance is essential to avoid sanctions.
- DanielNo te preocupes, seguiré las reglas.Don't worry, I will follow the rules.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compliance” translations and entries cumplimiento, acatamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acatamiento, cumplimiento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
