A young woman formally holding a large, ornate, sealed scroll tied with a red ribbon, symbolizing her official receipt of an inheritance.

heredero

eh-reh-DEH-roh

nounmB1

heir?person legally receiving inheritance,successor?person taking over a position or title

Also:inheritor?less common synonym for heir

📝 In Action

El hijo mayor fue nombrado heredero de toda la fortuna.

The eldest son was named heir to the entire fortune.

Tras el retiro del jefe, buscamos un heredero para dirigir la empresa.

After the boss retired, we looked for a successor to run the company.

La princesa es la heredera al trono.

The princess is the heir (heiress) to the throne.

Word Connections

Synonyms

sucesor (successor)
beneficiario (beneficiary)

Antonyms

testador (testator (person who leaves the inheritance))

Common Collocations

heredero universal – sole heir
heredero legítimo – lawful heir

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Matching

Remember that this word changes based on who you are talking about: use 'el heredero' for a male, and 'la heredera' for a female. It always needs the article 'el' or 'la'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: "Usar 'heredero' como verbo (e.g., 'Yo heredero la casa')."

Correction: The word for the action of receiving is 'heredar' (to inherit). 'Heredero' is only the person who receives.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Figurative

While often used for legal inheritance (money, property), it can also describe someone who takes over a tradition, style, or position, like 'el heredero de Picasso' (the successor to Picasso).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: heredero

Question 1 of 2

If María's grandfather left her his house, what is María?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

heredar(to inherit) - verb

herencia(inheritance, heritage) - noun

heredera(heiress (female heir)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'heredero' and 'herencia'?

'Heredero' is the person who receives the property or title (the heir). 'Herencia' is the actual property, money, or tradition that is passed down (the inheritance or heritage).

Can 'heredero' be used outside of legal matters?

Yes! It is frequently used figuratively, especially in business, art, or politics, to refer to the person who is expected to take over a role or legacy. For example, 'el heredero político' (the political successor).