judicial
hoo-dee-SYAL
📝 In Action
El proceso judicial puede durar años.
B2The judicial process can last years.
La orden judicial obliga a la empresa a pagar la multa.
C1The court order forces the company to pay the fine.
Necesitamos una revisión judicial de las pruebas.
C1We need a judicial review of the evidence.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender is Easy
Because 'judicial' ends in -l, it is an adjective that stays the same whether the noun it describes is masculine (el proceso judicial) or feminine (la orden judicial). You only need to worry about making it plural (judiciales).
Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'judicial' usually comes immediately after the noun it modifies, such as 'proceso judicial' (judicial process) or 'sistema judicial' (judicial system).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Legal and Judicial
Mistake: "Using 'legal' when specifically referring to the court system (e.g., 'el sistema legal')."
Correction: While 'legal' works, 'judicial' is much more precise when talking about judges, trials, and court administration. Use 'sistema judicial' for the branch of government.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts Only
This word is formal. If you are talking casually about getting permission for something, use 'legal' or 'permitido.' Save 'judicial' for news reports and serious discussions about the justice system.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: judicial
Question 1 of 2
Which phrase correctly uses 'judicial'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'judicial' and 'legal'?
'Legal' is a broader word meaning 'allowed by law' or 'related to law.' 'Judicial' is much more specific; it always refers to the courts, judges, trials, and the administration of justice.
Does 'judicial' change form for masculine and feminine nouns?
No, it is one of those adjectives ending in -l that stays the same for both genders (like 'fácil'). You only need to add -es to make it plural: 'judiciales'.