Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| consentimiento | /konsentiˈmjento/ | masculine |
| venia | /ˈbenja/ | feminine |
| anuencia | /aˈnwenθja/ /aˈnwensja/ |
feminine, formal |
In Spanish, 'consent' is expressed as a voluntary agreement. The verb consentir can be used to mean 'to consent', but depending on the context, it can also mean 'to spoil' or 'to pamper' someone.
Which one should you use?
consentimiento is the standard and most common way to say 'consent' in most contexts. For more specific settings, use anuencia to mean consent or approval and venia to denote permission or authorization, particularly in legal or judicial settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While consentimiento is a neutral, standard term, anuencia is a highly formal term used in official administrative or legal contexts. Similarly, venia is a formal term used in judicial settings. In formal situations, you might use the phrase Dar el consentimiento to say 'to give consent', Otorgar el permiso to say 'to grant permission' or the verb Aceptar to mean 'to accept'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Colombia, the word permiso is commonly used to indicate consent.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
consentimiento is a masculine noun and must be preceded by masculine articles such as el or un. In contrast, anuencia is a feminine noun and must be preceded by feminine articles like la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/konsentiˈmjento/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking for permiso is not just about legal consent but is a vital social gesture used when passing between two people talking or leaving a room.
- The formal term venia shares its roots with the English adjective 'venial', as in a 'venial sin'. Both words trace back to the Latin term for 'favor' or 'forgiveness'.
- Because the verb consentir also means 'to pamper', the word consentido is often used to describe a 'spoiled' child rather than someone who has given consent.
Examples in context
- Interpreté su silencio como consentimiento.I interpreted their silence as consent.This sentence shows how to use consentimiento when interpreting silence.Tatoeba #1809575 by marcelostockle, translation #260861 by CM
- Sin tu consentimiento, no se puede hacer nada al respecto.Without your consent, nothing can be done about it.This sentence uses consentimiento to express that an action cannot be taken without it.Tatoeba #10186765 by manufrutos, translation #16939 by papabear
- Necesito tu consentimiento para hacerte la prueba de la COVID-19.I need your consent to test you for COVID-19.This sentence demonstrates the use of consentimiento in a medical testing context.Tatoeba #10111272 by manufrutos, translation #9849497 by NurseMeeks
- El sujeto debe dar su consentimiento por escrito antes de que se lleve a cabo el procedimiento.The subject must give their consent in writing before the procedure takes place.
- El director puede otorgar el permiso para el uso de las instalaciones.The director can grant permission for the use of the facilities.
- El participante acepta las condiciones establecidas por el organizador.The participant accepts the conditions established by the organizer.
- ¿Estás de acuerdo en asistir a la fiesta esta noche?Are you okay with attending the party tonight?
- Mi padre me dio permiso para salir esta noche.My father gave me permission to go out tonight.
- ¿Aceptas que vengamos a tu casa después del trabajo?Do you consent to us coming to your house after work?
- ¿Me das permiso para tomar prestado tu libro?Can I borrow your book?
- Necesitamos tu conformidad para proceder con el contrato.We need your consent to proceed with the contract.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a joint project.
- ElenaYa tengo el consentimiento del jefe.I already have the boss's consent.
- Mateo¡Qué bien! ¿Podemos empezar hoy?That's great! Can we start today?
- ElenaSí, pero Mateo necesita dar su consentimiento también.Yes, but Mateo needs to give his consent too.
- MateoTienes mi consentimiento total, Elena.You have my full consent, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “consent” translations and entries consentimiento, venia, anuencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries consentimiento, venia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
