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"Carnet" is a noun which is often translated as "ID card", and "credencial" is an adjective which is often translated as "accrediting". Learn more about the difference between "carnet" and "credencial" below.
el carnet(
kahr
-
neht
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. ID card
A María le implantaron un chip en la mano para poder entrar en la oficina sin carnet.Maria got a chip implanted in her hand so she can enter her office without an ID card.
b. identification card
"¿Me muestra su carné, por favor?", dijo el policía."¿May I see your identification card, please?," the policeman said.
c. identity card
Para votar en las elecciones, necesitan ustedes mostrar sus carnets.To vote in the elections you need to show your identity cards.
d. card
Si presentas tu carnet de pensionista en la caja, obtienes un 15% de descuento.If you show your pensioner's card at the cashier, you get a 15% discount.
e. membership card (of a club or organization)
No nos dejaron entrar al Club Campestre porque no traíamos los carnés.We weren't allowed in the Country Club because we didn't bring our membership cards.
a. driver's license (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Acuérdate de renovar tu carnet, o no podrás manejar.Remember to renew your driver's license, otherwise you won't be able to drive.
b. driver license (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Si no traes contigo tu carnet, no podrás tomar alcohol en el bar.If you don't have your driver license on you, you won't be able to drink alcohol at the bar.
c. driving licence (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Mi hijo pasó el examen de conducir y le dieron su carné.My son passed his driving test, and he got his driving licence.
3. (register)
a. card
Su hijo debe tener el carnet de vacunas al día para matricularse en el colegio.Your child must have the vaccination card up to date to be admitted at school.
credencial, la credencial(
kreh
-
dehn
-
syahl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (certifying)
a. accrediting
La diplomática todavía no presentó sus cartas credenciales.The diplomat hasn't presented her accrediting letters yet.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. identification card
En la librería hacen descuento a los que muestren credencial de estudiante.You get a discount at the bookshop if you show your student identification card.
b. identity card
El guardia de seguridad me pidió la credencial.The security guard asked for my identity card.
c. ID card (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿Tienes credencial de elector?Do you have a voter ID card?
3. (politics)
a. credential
Esta credencial confirma la designación de Johnson como embajador.This credential confirms the appointment of Johnson as ambassador.
las credenciales
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
4. (politics)
a. credentials
El nuevo embajador le presentó sus credenciales al jefe de estado.The new ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.
