Inklingo
← Dictionary

legado

leh-GAH-dohleˈɣa.ðo

“legado” means “legacy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

legacy

Also: inheritance, bequest
NounmB1
A close-up view of an antique, golden key being gently passed from the wrinkled hand of an older person to the smaller, open hand of a child.

📝 In Action

El legado cultural de los romanos aún se ve en Europa.

B1

The cultural legacy of the Romans is still seen in Europe.

Su mayor legado fue la fundación de una escuela gratuita.

B2

His greatest legacy was the founding of a free school.

Recibió un pequeño legado de su tía abuela.

B1

She received a small bequest (inheritance) from her great-aunt.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dejar un legado – to leave a legacy
  • legado histórico – historical legacy

envoy

Also: delegate, legate
NounmC1formal
A formally dressed diplomat standing professionally, holding a rolled-up parchment scroll tied with a ribbon.

📝 In Action

El legado fue enviado a negociar un tratado de paz.

C1

The envoy was sent to negotiate a peace treaty.

El Papa nombró un legado para supervisar la diócesis.

C2

The Pope appointed a legate (representative) to oversee the diocese.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "legado" in Spanish:

bequest→delegate→envoy→inheritance→legacy→legate→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: legado

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'legado' in the sense of a physical inheritance or gift?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
legar(to bequeath, to delegate) — Verb
legación(legation, embassy) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *legatum*, meaning 'a bequest' or 'something entrusted by will.' This root also relates to the idea of 'sending' or 'delegating' someone with a mission.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: legadoItalian: legato

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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.