Spanish word

licencia

Pronunciation

IPA/liˈθenθja/

Meaning

  • feminine noundriver's license

Example

Necesito sacar mi licencia de conducir.

I need to get my driver's license.

Illustration for licencia (driver's license)

More examples

¿Puedo pedir licencia para salir un momento?

Can I ask for permission to step out for a moment?

Core concept

Government-issued authorization document.

Common phrases

  • sacar licencia de conducir

    get a driver's license

  • pedir licencia

    ask for permission

  • tomar licencia por enfermedad

    take sick leave

Similar words

permiso: Official permission that allows a person to perform a particular action or temporary role.
autorización: Formal procedural authorization in writing that permits a defined activity after required steps.
certificado: Certified record that attests to a fact, skill, or completion of a formal requirement.

Definition in Spanish

Documento oficial que autoriza a una persona a realizar una actividad concreta, como conducir, o que concede permiso para ausentarse del trabajo.

Word origin

From Latin licentia 'permission' (from the verb licēre 'to be allowed'), entering Spanish via medieval Latin as a word for official permission.

Usage tips

  • When the meaning might be a driving license or a work leave, speakers normally add a short complement such as 'de conducir' or 'por enfermedad' to make the sense clear.

Other meanings

  • permissionnoun
  • leavenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word