Lael logo

solicitar means request — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 12, 2025

💼 Spanish for Business

solicitar

verb • /[soh-lee-see-TAR]/

request

Example:

Vamos a solicitar una nueva cotización.

We’re going to request a new quotation.

🧠 What does solicitar mean?

The verb 'solicitar' means to request or to apply for something, often in a formal context. It implies a polite but direct asking for something, such as a job, a loan, information, or permission. It is frequently used in professional, academic, or bureaucratic settings where a formal procedure is involved.

📚 Extra examples

  • El candidato decidió solicitar el puesto de gerente de marketing.
    The candidate decided to apply for the marketing manager position.
  • Se debe solicitar permiso antes de realizar cambios en el diseño.
    Permission must be requested before making changes to the design.
  • Los estudiantes pueden solicitar una beca para continuar sus estudios.
    Students can apply for a scholarship to continue their studies.
  • La empresa va a solicitar financiación adicional para expandir sus operaciones.
    The company is going to request additional financing to expand its operations.
  • Es importante solicitar información clara sobre los requisitos del programa.
    It is important to request clear information about the program requirements.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'solicitar' originates from the Latin word 'solicitare', which means to urge, provoke, or importune. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the act of formally asking for something.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "solicitar"

Synonyms: pedir (often less formal), requerir, demandar (stronger implication), pretender (to seek or aim for)
Opposites: conceder, otorgar, denegar, rechazar

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'request' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'request' in a formal context is 'solicitar'. For more informal requests, 'pedir' is often used.
How do you pronounce 'solicitar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is soh-lee-see-TAR. The stress is on the last syllable.
How do you use 'solicitar' in a sentence?
'Solicitar' is used as a verb and is conjugated according to the subject and tense. It is typically followed by a direct object (the thing being requested) or a prepositional phrase indicating what is being requested.
What is the English translation of 'solicitar'?
The primary English translations of 'solicitar' are 'to request' and 'to apply for'.
Does 'solicitar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'solicitar' does not change for gender. Its endings change to agree with the subject in number and person, as well as for tense and mood.
Is 'solicitar' common in everyday Spanish?
'Solicitar' is commonly used in formal and professional contexts. In casual, everyday conversation, the verb 'pedir' is more frequent for simple requests.
Does 'solicitar' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'solicitar' does not typically have slang or double meanings. Its usage is generally straightforward and formal.
Is 'solicitar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'solicitar' is generally consistent across Spain and Latin America, maintaining its formal meaning of requesting or applying for something.
How do you conjugate 'solicitar' in Spanish?
'Solicitar' is a regular -ar verb. For example, in the present indicative tense, it conjugates as: yo solicito, tú solicitas, él/ella/usted solicita, nosotros/nosotras solicitamos, vosotros/vosotras solicitáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes solicitan.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store