iniciar sesión
/iniˌθjaɾ seˈsjon/
To sign in in Spanish is iniciar sesión.
The phrase iniciar sesión is the standard term used when interacting with computer software, websites and various digital platforms.
Meaning: to sign one's name on a list (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb iniciar, meaning to initiate or start and the noun sesión, meaning session.
Which one should you use?
While iniciar sesión is the standard term for logging into a digital account, it is distinct from firmar, which means to sign a physical document. Additionally, in informal digital contexts, you may see the verb entrar used to mean 'to sign in' or 'to enter the site'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you have already signed in in the past tense, you use the preterite form inicié sesión.
How do you pronounce it?
/iniˌθjaɾ seˈsjon/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, you might see loguearse used in tech circles, a hybrid 'Spanglish' verb created by adding Spanish endings to the English word 'log'.
- The word sesión shares a common ancestor with the English word 'sit', stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *sed-, which refers to the act of sitting down.
- While iniciar sesión is used for computers, the Spanish word for 'signing' a physical contract is firmar, which comes from the Latin word for 'firm' or 'strong'.
Examples in context
- Recuerde que debe registrarse antes de ingresar al evento.Remember that you must sign in before entering the event.
- Por favor, firme en la hoja de asistencia al llegar.Please sign in on the attendance sheet upon arrival.
- ¿Ya te anotaste para el torneo de fútbol?Did you already sign in for the soccer tournament?
- Las participantes deben registrarse antes del jueves.The participants must sign in before Thursday.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are working on a computer together.
- ElenaJavier, ¿puedes iniciar sesión ya?Javier, can you sign in now?
- JavierSí, solo estoy buscando mi contraseña.Yes, I am just looking for my password.
- ElenaDime cuando termines de iniciar sesión.Tell me when you finish signing in.
- JavierListo, ya estoy dentro.Done, I am already in.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry iniciar sesión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iniciar, iniciar sesión, sesión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
