declaración
/deklaɾaˈθjon/
The English word deposition is translated into Spanish as declaración.
In a legal context, declaración refers to the process of taking sworn testimony or the testimony itself. While declaración can mean any kind of statement in general use, the specific term for a sworn deposition or affidavit is declaración jurada.
Meaning: process of taking sworn testimony out of court, the testimony so taken (noun)
Which one should you use?
In formal legal settings, you may encounter testimonio to refer to a deposition or declaración jurada when specifically referring to a sworn statement.
How do you pronounce it?
/deklaɾaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- While declaración means a legal deposition, in a romantic context it refers to a profession of love. A declaración de amor is the act of telling someone you love them.
- The root of declaración connects back to the Latin word clārus, meaning 'clear' or 'bright'. This suggests that to make a legal declaration is, at its heart, to make something clear.
- The word declaración is used for a deposition but also for a customs declaration at the airport. Travelers in Spanish-speaking countries will see this word on the forms they use to list imported goods.
Examples in context
- El testigo rindió su declaración jurada en la oficina del abogado.The witness gave his deposition in the lawyer's office.
- El abogado necesita tu declaración sobre lo sucedido.The lawyer needs your deposition regarding what happened.
- El testigo dio su declaración ante el juez.The witness gave his deposition before the judge.
- La declaración fue tomada ayer.The deposition was taken yesterday.
- Necesitamos una declaración escrita.We need a written deposition.
- Su declaración fue muy detallada.Her deposition was very detailed.
Example conversation
A lawyer and a client are discussing a legal case in an office.
- Alejandro¿Ya preparaste la declaración?Have you prepared the deposition yet?
- MaríaNo, Alejandro, todavía no estoy lista.No, Alejandro, I am not ready yet.
- AlejandroLa declaración es muy importante para el caso.The deposition is very important for the case.
- MaríaLo sé, lo terminaré esta noche.I know, I will finish it tonight.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry declaración, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries declaración, CC BY-SA 4.0.
