Inklingo
Dictionary

perpetua

per-PEH-twahpeɾˈpetwa

“perpetua” means “perpetual” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

perpetualB2Adjective

Something that lasts forever or is never-ending.

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life sentenceC1Noun

Criminal law/punishment.

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perpetuatesB2Verb

When someone or something makes a situation or belief continue.

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perpetualAlso: lifelong, permanent

AdjectivefB2formal
A golden ring floating in a clear blue sky, forming a perfect circle with no beginning or end.

📝 In Action

Las cumbres de los Alpes tienen nieve perpetua.

B2

The peaks of the Alps have perpetual snow.

Buscaba una solución perpetua para el problema.

B2

He was looking for a permanent solution to the problem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • nieve perpetua – perpetual snow
  • llama perpetua – eternal flame

life sentence

NounfC1formal
A heavy iron ball and chain resting on a stone floor inside a dim room with a small high window.

📝 In Action

El criminal fue condenado a la perpetua.

C1

The criminal was sentenced to life.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • cadena perpetua – life imprisonment
  • condenado a perpetua – sentenced to life

perpetuates

VerbB2regular ar
A person handing a glowing torch to a younger person to keep the flame burning.
gerundperpetuando
past Participleperpetuado
infinitiveperpetuar

📝 In Action

Este sistema perpetua la desigualdad.

B2

This system perpetuates inequality.

¡Perpetua el legado de tu abuelo!

C1

Perpetuate your grandfather's legacy!

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoperpetuara
túperpetuaras
él/ella/ustedperpetuara
nosotrosperpetuáramos
vosotrosperpetuarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesperpetuaran

Present Subjunctive

yoperpetúe
túperpetúes
él/ella/ustedperpetúe
nosotrosperpetuemos
vosotrosperpetuéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesperpetúen

Indicative

Preterite

yoperpetué
túperpetuaste
él/ella/ustedperpetuó
nosotrosperpetuamos
vosotrosperpetuasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesperpetuaron

Imperfect

yoperpetuaba
túperpetuabas
él/ella/ustedperpetuaba
nosotrosperpetuábamos
vosotrosperpetuabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesperpetuaban

Present

yoperpetúo
túperpetúas
él/ella/ustedperpetúa
nosotrosperpetuamos
vosotrosperpetuáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesperpetúan
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Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "perpetua" in Spanish:

life sentencepermanentperpetuates

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: perpetua

Question 1 of 2

Which of these phrases refers to a life sentence in prison?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
perpetuar(to perpetuate) — Verb
perpetuidad(perpetuity) — Noun
perpetuo(perpetual (masculine)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
estatuamutua
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'perpetuus', meaning 'uninterrupted' or 'continuous'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: perpetualFrench: perpétuel

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'eterna' and 'perpetua'?

'Eterna' (eternal) often has a religious or spiritual feel (like 'eternal life'), whereas 'perpetua' (perpetual) is more often used for physical states, legal terms, or formal descriptions.

Is 'perpetua' a common word in daily speech?

No, it's quite formal. You'll mostly see it in the news (legal cases) or in books. In daily life, people use 'para siempre'.