License in different languages

License in Different Languages

Discover 'License' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

At its core, a 'license' represents permission to do, act, or use something in a particular way. This concept is significant across cultures, as it enables individuals and organizations to operate within established guidelines and regulations. The word 'license' has historical roots in the Old French 'licencier,' meaning 'to set free.' Today, it's a crucial term in various fields, from business and law to art and technology.

Did you know that the word 'license' has been adopted in many languages around the world? Its cultural importance and widespread use make understanding its translations valuable for global citizens. For instance, in Spanish, 'license' is 'licencia,' while in German, it's 'Lizenz.' In French, the term is 'licence,' and in Japanese, it's 'ライセンス (raisensu).'

Explore the many faces of 'license' in different languages and broaden your understanding of this essential concept. Keep reading to uncover more translations and cultural insights!

License


License in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaanslisensie
The Afrikaans word "lisensie" originated from medieval Dutch "licencie", and was later influenced semantically by English "license", which broadened its meaning in Afrikaans.
Amharicፈቃድ
The word 'ፈቃድ' primarily means 'permission' but also signifies 'consent', 'approval', and 'authority'.
Hausalasisi
The Hausa word 'lasisi' also means 'permission' or 'authority'.
Igboikike
The word 'ikike' in Igbo also means 'power' or 'authority'.
Malagasymombamomba ny mpanoratra
The phrase "Mombamomba ny mpanoratra" comes from the words "momba" (about) and "mba" (master), so it literally means "about the master".
Nyanja (Chichewa)layisensi
In Nyanja (Chichewa) the word "layisensi" is also used to refer to permits from the government.
Shonarezinesi
The Shona word "rezinesi" is derived from the Portuguese word "licença", meaning "permission" or "authorization".
Somalishati
Shati can also mean 'permission', 'right', or 'authority'.
Sesotholengolo la tumello
Swahilileseni
The Swahili word "leseni" also means "permission" or "approval".
Xhosaiphepha-mvume
The word "iphepha-mvume" in Xhosa can also refer to a passbook or permit, highlighting the broader concept of authorisation.
Yorubaiwe-aṣẹ
In the context of traditional Yoruba society, "iwe-aṣẹ" also refers to a document of authority or a royal decree.
Zuluilayisense
The Zulu word 'ilayisense' can also refer to a permit or authorization.
Bambaralase
Ewemɔɖegbalẽ
Kinyarwandauruhushya
Lingalalicence ya kosala
Lugandalayisinsi
Sepedilaesense
Twi (Akan)tumi krataa

License in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicرخصة
The word 'license' comes from the Latin word 'licere', meaning 'to be permitted' or 'to be allowed'.
Hebrewרישיון
The word 'רישיון' ('license') is derived from the Latin word 'licere,' meaning 'to be permitted.'
Pashtoمنښتليک
The word "منښتليک" in Pashto can also refer to "permit" or "certificate".
Arabicرخصة
The word 'license' comes from the Latin word 'licere', meaning 'to be permitted' or 'to be allowed'.

License in Western European Languages

Albanianliçensë
Albanian “licensë” derives from Turkish “lisans” and was first used for a “certificate” or “diploma” before developing its modern connotation of “license”.
Basquelizentzia
Basque "lizentzia" comes from Latin "licentia," but also means "permission, liberty" in the wider sense and "farewell" in its original sense.
Catalanllicència
Llicència in Catalan has many meanings, including 'release from obligation' and 'permission or authority to do something'.
Croatianlicenca
In Croatian, "licenca" can also refer to a driving permit.
Danishlicens
The Danish word "licens" derives from the Latin "licentia," meaning both "permission" and "wantonness."
Dutchlicentie
The Dutch word "licentie" can also refer to a driver's license or a bachelor's degree.
Englishlicense
The word 'license' originates from the Latin word 'licere', meaning 'to be permissible'.
Frenchlicence
The French word "licence" can also mean a university degree, notably in law or medicine.
Frisianfergunning ferliene
The word "fergunning ferliene" in Frisian means "license", but it can also refer to "permission" or "approval".
Galicianlicenza
In Galician, "licenza" can also refer to a student's leave of absence from school.
Germanlizenz
The word "Lizenz" in German comes from the Latin word "licentia", which means "freedom" or "permission".
Icelandicleyfi
The word 'leyfi' comes from the Old Norse word 'leyfi', which means 'permission'.
Irishceadúnas
Italianlicenza
The Italian word "licenza" comes from the Latin word "licentia," meaning "freedom" or "permission." In Italian, it can also mean a "degree" or a "diploma."
Luxembourgishlizenz
The Luxembourgish word "Lizenz" can also refer to a permit or authorization, such as a driver's license.
Malteseliċenzja
Maltese 'liċenzja' originates from the Latin word 'licentia' meaning 'freedom' or 'permission'.
Norwegiantillatelse
The word "tillatelse" is derived from the Old Norse word "tillaten" meaning "permission" or "consent."
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)licença
The word "licença" (license) in Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) derives from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom" or "permission."
Scots Gaeliccead
A less common use of "cead" is to give permission in the sense of "I grant you leave to do something", which was once common in both English and Scots Gaelic
Spanishlicencia
The word "licencia" derives from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom" or "permission", and also has the meaning of "boldness" or "impudence".
Swedishlicens
The word "licens" can also mean "license fee" or "permit" in Swedish.
Welshtrwydded
The word "trwydded" can derive from the Latin "transitus" (transit) and the French "traite" (treaty).

License in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianліцэнзія
In Belarusian, the word "ліцэнзія" (license) is borrowed from Russian, and it can also refer to a document granting permission to carry out a specific activity.
Bosnianlicenca
The Latin word “licentia” means both “license” and “freedom”, although the latter is primarily used in academic contexts.
Bulgarianразрешително
The Slavic root *razrešiti* also meant
Czechlicence
In Czech, "licence" can also mean "ticket" or "permit".
Estonianlitsents
"litsents" is a loanword from the German word "Lizenz" with the same meaning, which itself originated from the Latin word "licentia" meaning "freedom".
Finnishlisenssi
In German, "lisenssi" refers to a border permit rather than official permission.
Hungarianengedély
Engedély originates from the Mongolian word "engüd", which means freedom, permission.
Latvianlicence
In Latvian, the word "licence" also refers to a document that allows someone to hunt or fish.
Lithuanianlicencija
The Lithuanian word "licencija" derives from the Latin "licet" ("it is permitted") via German or Russian.
Macedonianлиценца
The Macedonian word "лиценца" is derived from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom". In addition to its primary meaning of "license", it can also refer to a "certificate" or "permit".
Polishlicencja
The word "licencja" comes from the Latin "licentia", meaning "permission". In Polish, it can also refer to "a degree" (e.g. a bachelor's degree) or "a literary license" (e.g. the use of certain literary devices).
Romanianlicență
The Romanian word "licență" is derived from the French word "licence", which in turn originates from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "permission or freedom".
Russianлицензия
The word "лицензия" in Russian derives from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom" or "permission", and is often used in contexts related to legal authorizations or permits.
Serbianлиценца
The word "лиценца" in Serbian comes from the Latin word "licentia", which means "permission". The word has retained this meaning in Serbian but can also be used to mean "license plate".
Slovakpreukaz
In other Slavic languages this word usually means a 'certificate' in the sense of evidence or a document proving a qualification or a permission but in Slovak it primarily means a 'driving license'.
Sloveniandovoljenje
In Slovenian, dovoljenje also means 'permission', 'authorization', 'consent', or 'approval'.
Ukrainianліцензія
"Ліцензія" means "license" in Ukrainian and comes from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom" or "permission."

License in South Asian Languages

Bengaliলাইসেন্স
লাইসেন্স শব্দটি ইংরেজি 'লাইসেন্স' থেকে এসেছে, যার আক্ষরিক অর্থ 'অনুমতি' বা 'স্বাধীনতা'।
Gujaratiલાઇસન્સ
The word "license" derives from the Latin "licere," meaning "to be permitted," and is also related to the words "liberty" and "libertine."
Hindiलाइसेंस
"लाइसेंस" शब्द "लाई" (bind) और "सेंस" (allow) से मिलकर बना है, जिसका अर्थ है किसी कार्य को करने की अनुमति देना।
Kannadaಪರವಾನಗಿ
ಪರವಾನಗಿ also means "opportunity" and is derived from the Sanskrit word "pramana" meaning "proof" or "authority."
Malayalamലൈസൻസ്
The word 'license' in Malayalam ('ലൈസൻസ്') also means 'freedom' or 'permission'
Marathiपरवाना
The word 'परवाना' is derived from the Persian word 'parwāna', which originally meant 'permission' or 'decree' and was used in the context of royal orders.
Nepaliलाइसेन्स
The Nepali word "लाइसेन्स" originates from the English word "license" and has similar meanings, including permission or authority to do something.
Punjabiਲਾਇਸੈਂਸ
The word "license" is derived from the Latin word "licentia", which means "freedom" or "permission."
Sinhala (Sinhalese)බලපත්රය
The word "බලපත්රය" (license) can also refer to a permit or certificate that grants permission to do something.
Tamilஉரிமம்
"உரிமம்" also refers to a document or certificate issued by a competent authority, granting permission to do something, such as a driver's license or a marriage license.
Teluguలైసెన్స్
The word "license" in Telugu is derived from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom or permission", and has similar connotations in both languages.
Urduلائسنس
In Urdu, the word "لائسنس" (laisans) also refers to a document that allows one to drive a vehicle.

License in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)执照
执照 (zhízhào) can also refer to a certificate, permit, or legal document that grants permission or authority to do something.
Chinese (Traditional)執照
執照 can also refer to holding a candle in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony.
Japaneseライセンス
The term "ライセンス" is borrowed from English and its original meaning is "freedom".
Korean특허
특허 is cognate with the Chinese term 專利, which can also mean "monopoly".
Mongolianтусгай зөвшөөрөл
The word "тусгай зөвшөөрөл" has the same etymological meaning with “license" that has meanings “freedom to perform certain kinds of acts, or to use something".
Myanmar (Burmese)လိုင်စင်

License in South East Asian Languages

Indonesianlisensi
The Indonesian word lisensi derives from the Dutch word licentie and the English word licence, both of which have the same meaning of "permission" or "authorization."
Javaneselisensi
The Javanese word "lisensi" can also mean "permission" or "approval".
Khmerអាជ្ញាប័ណ្ណ
Laoໃບອະນຸຍາດ
The Lao word ໃບອະນຸຍາດ, meaning license, is also used to refer to a permit or authorization and is derived from the Pali word อนุญาต meaning 'to permit' or 'to allow'.
Malaylesen
The Malay word 'lesen' is derived from the Dutch word 'licentie', meaning 'permission'.
Thaiใบอนุญาต
ใบอนุญาต comes from the Pali word "bijjati" meaning "to allow".
Vietnamesegiấy phép
Giấy phép is also an archaic synonym for 'letter' and 'document'.
Filipino (Tagalog)lisensya

License in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanilisenziya
The word "lisenziya" comes from the French word "licence" and has the additional meaning of "permission".
Kazakhлицензия
The Kazakh word "лицензия" is derived from the Russian word "лицензия" which in turn comes from the Latin word "licentia" meaning "freedom" or "permission"
Kyrgyzлицензия
The word "лицензия" comes from the Latin word "licentia", meaning "freedom" or "permission".
Tajikиҷозатнома
Turkmenygtyýarnamasy
Uzbeklitsenziya
Historically, the word litsenziya was used to refer to a permit or a document allowing someone to engage in a particular activity or profession.
Uyghurئىجازەتنامە

License in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianlaikini
The word "laikini" in Hawaiian can also refer to a fishing or hunting license.
Maoriraihana
A licence to reside on marae land and the act of occupation under that licence.
Samoanlaisene
The word 'laisene' comes from the English word 'license' and also means 'permission' in Samoan.
Tagalog (Filipino)lisensya
In the Philippines, the term "lisensya" can also refer to a permit or authorization granted by a government agency.

License in American Indigenous Languages

Aymaralicencia ukaxa
Guaranilicencia rehegua

License in International Languages

Esperantopermesilo
"Permesilo" is derived likely from French "permis," or could mean "permission letter"}
Latinlicentiam
The Latin word "licentiam" originated as the feminine singular form of the adjective "licens" (meaning "free, unrestrained") and later took on the meaning of "permission or authorization" as well as "excessive freedom or disregard for rules".

License in Others Languages

Greekάδεια
The word 'άδεια' in Greek shares its root with 'άδω' (to sing) through the Indo-European root *h₂ed- 'to make a sound'.
Hmongdaim ntawv tso cai
The Hmong word for “license” contains the words “ntawv” (paper) and “tsev” (house) indicating that historically a license may have been a piece of paper granting permission to enter an establishment.
Kurdishîcaze
"Îcaze" can also be used to refer to the written approval or authorization for something, especially from an official authority.
Turkishlisans
"Lisans," which means "license" in Turkish, is also a colloquial term for a university diploma.
Xhosaiphepha-mvume
The word "iphepha-mvume" in Xhosa can also refer to a passbook or permit, highlighting the broader concept of authorisation.
Yiddishדערלויבעניש
The Yiddish word "דערלויבעניש" is related to the German word "der erlauben", meaning "to permit".
Zuluilayisense
The Zulu word 'ilayisense' can also refer to a permit or authorization.
Assameseঅনুজ্ঞাপত্ৰ
Aymaralicencia ukaxa
Bhojpuriलाइसेंस के लाइसेंस दिहल गइल बा
Dhivehiލައިސަންސް
Dogriलाइसेंस
Filipino (Tagalog)lisensya
Guaranilicencia rehegua
Ilocanolisensia
Kriolaysens
Kurdish (Sorani)مۆڵەت
Maithiliलाइसेंस
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯂꯥꯏꯁꯦꯟꯁ ꯄꯤꯕꯥ꯫
Mizolicense pek a ni
Oromohayyama hayyama
Odia (Oriya)ଲାଇସେନ୍ସ
Quechualicencia
Sanskritअनुज्ञापत्रम्
Tatarлицензия
Tigrinyaፍቓድ ፍቓድ ምሃብ
Tsongalayisense

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