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B1 verb 4 min read

otorgar

Core Meaning
The Spanish verb "otorgar" fundamentally means to grant, concede, or give something, typically with an element of authority or formality. It implies bestowing something upon someone else, often a right, a privilege, a recognition, or a resource.
Formal Contexts
You will frequently encounter "otorgar" in formal settings. Think about official documents, legal proceedings, government announcements, and academic awards. For instance, a government might "otorgar" a permit, a university might "otorgar" a scholarship, or a judge might "otorgar" a certain ruling.
Types of Grants
The "thing" being granted can vary widely. It could be permission (e.g., "otorgar permiso"), a prize or award (e.g., "otorgar un premio"), a loan or credit (e.g., "otorgar un crédito"), or even recognition or importance (e.g., "otorgar importancia a algo"). The act of "otorgar" suggests a deliberate decision by the grantor.
Nuance of Authority
While it can sometimes be used more generally, "otorgar" often carries a sense of power or authority on the part of the subject performing the action. The person or entity doing the "otorgar" is in a position to give or withhold. This is why it's common in contexts where decisions are made and formalized.

El comité decidió otorgar el premio a la mejor investigación del año.

The committee decided to grant the award for the best research of the year.

La institución financiera puede otorgar un préstamo si cumples los requisitos.

The financial institution can grant a loan if you meet the requirements.
Key Applications
Legal and Financial: "Otorgar" is very common when discussing the granting of rights, permits, licenses, loans, credit, or financial aid.
Academic and Awards: Used for granting scholarships, degrees, honors, and prizes.
Diplomacy and Government: Refers to granting recognition, treaties, or official endorsements.
General Permission: Can be used for granting permission in a more official capacity, though less common in casual conversation than "permitir".
Subject-Verb-Object Structure
The most straightforward way to use "otorgar" is in the standard Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure. The subject is the entity doing the granting, the verb is "otorgar" (conjugated appropriately), and the object is what is being granted.

El gobierno decidió otorgar fondos adicionales para la investigación científica.

The government decided to grant additional funds for scientific research.
Prepositional Phrases
Often, "otorgar" is followed by a prepositional phrase indicating to whom or for what the item is granted. Common prepositions include "a" (to) and "para" (for).

La universidad va a otorgar una beca a los estudiantes más destacados.

The university is going to grant a scholarship to the most outstanding students.

El comité decidió otorgar el reconocimiento para su labor humanitaria.

The committee decided to grant the recognition for their humanitarian work.
Reflexive Usage (Less Common)
While not the primary use, "otorgarse" can sometimes imply that someone grants something to themselves, often in a figurative or self-congratulatory way. However, this is less frequent than the transitive use.

A veces, uno se otorga el derecho de juzgar a los demás.

Sometimes, one grants oneself the right to judge others.
Common Verbs Used with "Otorgar"
Verbs like "decidir" (to decide), "poder" (to be able to), "querer" (to want), "aprobar" (to approve), and "conceder" (to concede) often precede "otorgar" to express the intention or ability to grant something.

El consejo aprobó otorgar el permiso de construcción.

The council approved granting the construction permit.
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