posesión
/po-se-SYOHN/
possession
Posesión, meaning "possession," refers to the act of having or holding something.
posesión(noun)
possession
?the act of having or holding something
ownership
?legal right to something
,custody
?physical control
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Rule Tip
Most Spanish nouns ending in -sión (like posesión, decisión, tensión) are feminine. Use 'la' or 'una' before them.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Gender
Mistake: "El posesión"
Correction: La posesión. Remember the -sión ending usually signals a feminine noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
In legal or official contexts, 'posesión' is often used when someone formally takes on a new role or office (e.g., 'tomar posesión del cargo' - to take office).
Posesión can also mean a "holding" or a piece of property or estate.
posesión(noun)
holding
?a piece of property or estate
,property
?an owned object or item
territory
?historically, a colonial area
,assets
?financial or physical wealth
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Plural
When referring to 'belongings' or 'assets' (the things themselves), 'posesión' is almost always used in the plural: 'posesiones'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: posesión
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'posesión' to mean 'a physical item or holding'?
📚 More Resources
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).