licencia

license

noun lee-SEN-syah Less Common

Origin: From Latin licentia, 'freedom, permission'.

Also means

leave (time off)

Usage Note

Licencia covers both official permits (licencia de conducir = driver's license) and time off work (licencia por maternidad = maternity leave). In Spain carnet de conducir is the common term for a driver's license, while licencia de conducir is standard in Latin America. A software license is also licencia, making this a high-frequency term in tech contexts.

Examples

"Solicité una licencia por enfermedad."

Natural Translation

I applied for sick leave.

Literal Translation

I-applied a license for illness

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