incoar

to initiate (legal proceedings)

verb een-koh-AHR Rare

Origin: Latin incohare (to begin).

Usage Note

Incoar is a technical legal verb used almost exclusively in formal and administrative contexts; it means to formally open or initiate an official proceeding, complaint, or dossier. You incoar un expediente ('open a file/case') or incoar diligencias ('commence proceedings'). It is never used in casual speech — the everyday equivalents are iniciar or abrir.

Examples

"El juez decidió incoar el expediente disciplinario."

Natural Translation

The judge decided to initiate the disciplinary proceedings.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Spanish Filler Words: 15 Ways to Sound Natural

Spanish filler words like pues, o sea, and vale make you sound natural, not robotic. Learn 15 muletillas sorted by job, by region, and when not to use them.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

How to Tell Time in Spanish: A Beginner's Guide

Tell time in Spanish with one formula: es la una vs son las, y and menos for minutes, plus de la mañana, en punto, and 24-hour station times.

June 9, 2026 5 min read