justicia
/hoos-TEE-sya/
justice
A balanced scale represents justicia (justice) as fairness and moral rightness.
justicia(noun)
justice
?fairness or moral rightness
,fairness
?equity or impartiality
righteousness
?moral integrity
📝 In Action
Todos merecen recibir un trato con justicia, sin importar quiénes sean.
A2Everyone deserves to receive treatment with fairness, regardless of who they are.
Luchamos por la justicia social en nuestro barrio.
B1We fight for social justice in our neighborhood.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though this word ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you always use the feminine articles: 'la justicia' or 'una justicia'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract Concept
This meaning refers to the abstract moral ideal. If you are talking about the system that enforces the laws, see the next definition.
The courthouse symbolizes the justicia system, the institutions that enforce the law.
justicia(noun)
justice system
?the institutions and people enforcing the law
,judiciary
?the judges and courts
court (system)
?the legal body
📝 In Action
El caso tardó meses en llegar a la justicia.
B1The case took months to reach the justice system (the courts).
La justicia dictó su veredicto ayer.
B2The court/judiciary announced its verdict yesterday.
Las autoridades trabajan para garantizar el acceso a la justicia para todos.
C1The authorities work to guarantee access to the justice system for everyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Law
When talking about the government branch or legal process, 'justicia' usually refers to the entire system, not just a single judge. Use 'juez' for an individual judge.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Nouns
Mistake: "Fui a ver la juez."
Correction: Fui a ver al juez (I went to see the judge). Remember 'justicia' is the system, 'juez' is the person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrase
The phrase 'hacer justicia a algo/alguien' often means 'to do justice to' or 'to give something the recognition it deserves'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: justicia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'justicia' to refer to the abstract concept of fairness, rather than the legal system?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'justicia' feminine?
'Justicia' follows the pattern of many Spanish abstract nouns that end in -ia (like 'paciencia' or 'elegancia'), which are almost always feminine. It is rooted in the feminine Latin noun 'iustitia'.
How do I distinguish between 'justicia' and 'justo'?
'Justicia' is the noun, the thing itself (justice/fairness). 'Justo' is the adjective, describing something that is fair or right ('un trato justo' - a fair deal).