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"Legalizar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to legalize", and "despenalizar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to decriminalize". Learn more about the difference between "legalizar" and "despenalizar" below.
legalizar(
leh
-
gah
-
lee
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to legalize
Muchas personas piensan que el estado debe legalizar y regular la prostitución.Many people think the government should legalize prostitution and regulate it.
b. to legalise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El Congreso no legalizó el consumo de marihuana.Congress didn't legalise the use of marijuana.
a. to authenticate
El colegio de traductores legalizará la traducción del certificado de nacimiento.The translator's association will authenticate the translation of the birth certificate.
despenalizar(
dehs
-
peh
-
nah
-
lee
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (legal)
a. to decriminalize
Muchas mujeres estaban a favor de despenalizar el aborto.Many women were in favor of decriminalizing abortion.
b. to decriminalise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Se disparó el consumo de marihuana tras despenalizarlo.The consumption of marihuana rocketed after it was decriminalised.
c. to legalize
No creo que debamos despenalizar la eutanasia.I do not think we should legalize euthanasia.
d. to legalise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Obviamente, el comité deportivo rechaza la idea de despenalizar el uso de anabolizantes.Obviously, the sports committee rejects the idea of legalising the use of anabolic steroids.
