Inklingo
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legal

/leh-GAHL/

legal

A simple illustration of a wooden judge's gavel resting on a sound block, symbolizing law and legality.

The word legal means 'legal' when referring to things related to law.

legal(adjective)

m/f (invariable in form)B1

legal

?

related to law

,

lawful

?

permitted by law

Also:

statutory

?

established by law

📝 In Action

Necesitas un documento legal para cruzar la frontera.

B1

You need a legal document to cross the border.

La decisión del juez fue completamente legal.

B2

The judge's decision was completely lawful.

Buscaremos asesoramiento legal antes de firmar el contrato.

B2

We will seek legal advice before signing the contract.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • lícito (licit, permissible)
  • jurídico (judicial, legal)

Antonyms

  • ilegal (illegal)
  • ilícito (illicit)

Common Collocations

  • asistencia legal – legal aid
  • proceso legal – legal process

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Placement

Like many descriptive adjectives, 'legal' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'un documento legal' (a legal document).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the English word order

Mistake: "Dicen que es un legal problema."

Correction: Dicen que es un problema legal. (Remember: descriptive adjectives usually come after the noun.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

When talking about courts, regulations, or official paperwork, 'legal' is the perfect word to use.

A brightly colored cartoon hand giving a clear thumbs-up gesture, symbolizing approval, coolness, or being awesome.

Legal can also be used informally to mean 'cool' or 'awesome'.

legal(adjective)

m/f (invariable in form)A2

cool

?

awesome, great

,

legit

?

genuine, approved

Also:

fantastic

?

excellent

📝 In Action

¡Esa nueva canción está super legal!

A2

That new song is super cool!

¿Vamos al cine? ¡Sí, legal!

A2

Shall we go to the cinema? Yes, awesome!

Conocí a tu hermano, es muy legal.

B1

I met your brother, he's really great (a good person).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • chévere (cool (Latin America))
  • guay (cool (Spain))
  • bacán (cool (various regions))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ¡Qué legal! – How cool!
  • estar legal – to be cool/awesome

💡 Grammar Points

Use with 'Ser' or 'Estar'

When 'legal' means 'cool' or 'great,' you usually use the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) to describe a current state or atmosphere, or 'ser' (to be permanently) to describe a person's personality.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Legal' in Formal Settings

Mistake: "El presidente dijo que la nueva ley es muy legal."

Correction: El presidente dijo que la nueva ley es muy buena. (Using 'legal' as 'cool' in formal settings sounds inappropriate.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Widespread Slang

This slang meaning is understood across most Spanish-speaking regions, making it a safe and easy way to express approval in casual chats.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: legal

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'legal' in its formal meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

legalidad(legality) - noun
ilegal(illegal) - adjective
legalizar(to legalize) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'legal' means 'lawful' or 'cool'?

Context is key! If you are talking about documents, courts, or rules, it means 'lawful.' If you are describing a person, a party, or a fun experience, it almost certainly means 'cool' or 'awesome.' Listen to the tone of the conversation.

Does 'legal' change its ending for masculine and feminine nouns?

No. 'Legal' is an adjective that always stays the same, regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine. You say 'un documento legal' and 'una situación legal'.