posesión
“posesión” means “possession” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
possession
Also: ownership, custody
📝 In Action
La posesión de esa tierra ha sido disputada por años.
B1The possession of that land has been disputed for years.
Para el juego, tienes que mantener la posesión del balón.
A2For the game, you have to maintain possession of the ball.
El ladrón fue arrestado por posesión de armas.
B2The thief was arrested for possession of weapons.
holding, property
Also: territory, assets
📝 In Action
Vendió todas sus posesiones para iniciar una nueva vida.
B1He sold all his belongings (possessions) to start a new life.
Las posesiones españolas en América eran vastas.
C1The Spanish holdings (territories) in America were vast.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "posesión" in Spanish:
possession→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: posesión
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'posesión' to mean 'a physical item or holding'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *possessiōnem*, which meant 'a possessing' or 'an occupying'. It has maintained its core meaning related to owning and holding something since ancient times.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'posesión' a formal word, or can I use it every day?
'Posesión' is a standard, neutral word. You can use it in everyday conversation, especially when talking about ownership, control of an object (like a ball in sports), or legal matters.
What is the difference between 'posesión' and 'propiedad'?
'Posesión' means you physically have something or are in control of it (like holding a library book). 'Propiedad' means you legally own it. You can have the 'posesión' of something without having the 'propiedad' (ownership).