privilegio

/pree-bee-LEH-heeoh/

privilege

A smiling cartoon figure standing on a small, brightly lit pedestal, signifying a special advantage or right.

This image shows a figure with a special advantage, representing the meaning of privilegio as a special right.

privilegio(noun)

mB1

privilege

special right or advantage

Also:

special right

legal or social benefit

advantage

beneficial situation

📝 In Action

El acceso al agua potable no debería ser un privilegio, sino un derecho universal.

Access to drinking water shouldn't be a privilege, but a universal right.

Solo los miembros de la junta directiva tienen el privilegio de usar el ascensor privado.

Only members of the board of directors have the privilege of using the private elevator.

Sus contactos políticos le dieron muchos privilegios.

His political contacts gave him many advantages (privileges).

Word Connections

Synonyms

ventaja (advantage)
prerrogativa (prerogative)
derecho especial (special right)

Antonyms

desventaja (disadvantage)
limitación (limitation)

Common Collocations

gozar de un privilegio – to enjoy a privilege
abuso de privilegio – abuse of privilege

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'privilegio' is always a masculine word, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "La privilegio"

Correction: El privilegio. Spanish nouns have a set gender (masculine or feminine). This one is masculine.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

This word is often used in political, legal, or social discussions where you are talking about fairness and equality.

A joyful cartoon character proudly wearing a large, golden laurel wreath on their head, symbolizing honor and distinction.

The laurel wreath signifies high distinction, illustrating privilegio when it means honor or special distinction.

privilegio(noun)

mB2

honor

a special pleasure or distinction

Also:

pleasure

a source of great satisfaction

📝 In Action

Fue un privilegio asistir a la ceremonia de graduación de mi hija.

It was an honor/a privilege to attend my daughter's graduation ceremony.

Tuve el privilegio de trabajar junto a la famosa chef durante un mes.

I had the honor of working alongside the famous chef for a month.

Word Connections

Synonyms

honor (honor)
suerte (luck)

Common Collocations

es un privilegio – it is an honor/privilege
tener el privilegio de – to have the honor/privilege of

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'De'

When using 'privilegio' to mean 'honor' and following it with an action, you almost always need the preposition 'de' (of): 'Tengo el privilegio de ayudarte' (I have the honor of helping you).

⭐ Usage Tips

Politeness

Using 'privilegio' in this sense is a very polite and slightly formal way to show appreciation for an opportunity or situation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: privilegio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'privilegio' to mean 'honor' rather than 'special advantage'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

privilegiado(privileged (adjective)) - adjective

privilegiar(to privilege, to favor (verb)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'privilegio' always a positive word?

No. While it often describes a good thing (like an honor), it is frequently used in discussions about inequality and social justice, where having 'privilegios' (privileges) means having unfair advantages over others.

How do I use the related adjective 'privilegiado'?

The adjective 'privilegiado' means 'privileged' or 'lucky.' You can say 'Soy un estudiante privilegiado' (I am a privileged student) or 'Esa zona tiene una ubicación privilegiada' (That area has a prime/privileged location).