legado
/leh-GAH-doh/
legacy
When something valuable, like an heirloom or knowledge, is passed down, it is a legado (legacy).
legado(noun)
legacy
?something handed down (abstract or concrete)
inheritance
?property or money left in a will
,bequest
?a specific gift in a will
📝 In Action
El legado cultural de los romanos aún se ve en Europa.
B1The cultural legacy of the Romans is still seen in Europe.
Su mayor legado fue la fundación de una escuela gratuita.
B2His greatest legacy was the founding of a free school.
Recibió un pequeño legado de su tía abuela.
B1She received a small bequest (inheritance) from her great-aunt.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though 'legacy' can feel abstract, 'legado' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Legado vs. Herencia
Mistake: "Using 'herencia' when referring to a person's abstract impact (e.g., 'the herencia of the president')."
Correction: 'Legado' is better for abstract impact, reputation, or cultural contribution. 'Herencia' usually refers specifically to money or property left in a will.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Impact
Use 'legado' when you want to emphasize the lasting, important effects of a person or event, not just the physical things they left behind.
A diplomatic representative sent on an official mission is known as a legado (envoy).
legado(noun)
envoy
?diplomatic representative
delegate
?official representative
,legate
?historical/ecclesiastical title
📝 In Action
El legado fue enviado a negociar un tratado de paz.
C1The envoy was sent to negotiate a peace treaty.
El Papa nombró un legado para supervisar la diócesis.
C2The Pope appointed a legate (representative) to oversee the diocese.
💡 Grammar Points
Historical Context
This meaning is often used when discussing historical missions, diplomatic titles, or church history, where the person is 'sent' to represent a higher authority.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: legado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'legado' in the sense of a physical inheritance or gift?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'legado' y 'herencia'?
'Legado' often refers to abstract, non-material things like reputation, influence, or cultural contribution (e.g., 'a president's legacy'). 'Herencia' almost always means the physical property, money, or goods that someone leaves behind when they die.