Sin el justificante, mi hermana no pudo demostrar que ya había pagado.

my

Breakdown of Sin el justificante, mi hermana no pudo demostrar que ya había pagado.

• que: that
• poder: can
• ella: she

Questions & Answers about Sin el justificante, mi hermana no pudo demostrar que ya había pagado.

What exactly does justificante mean here?

In Spain, justificante commonly means some kind of proof or supporting document, especially a receipt, proof of payment, or document that shows something was done.

In this sentence, el justificante is most naturally understood as the receipt / proof of payment.

A useful Spain-specific note:

• In Spain, justificante is very common in everyday and administrative language.
• In many Latin American countries, learners may hear comprobante more often in similar contexts.

Why is it sin el justificante and not just sin justificante?

Both are possible, but they are not exactly the same.

• sin el justificante = without the receipt / without that specific proof document
• sin justificante = without any receipt / without proof

Using el makes it sound like a particular receipt or document is being referred to, probably one that was expected in that situation.

So:

• Sin el justificante... points to a specific document.
• Sin justificante... is more general.

Why is it no pudo demostrar instead of no podía demostrar?