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privilegio

pree-bee-LEH-heeohpɾi.βiˈle.xjo

“privilegio” means “privilege” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

privilege

Also: special right, advantage
NounmB1
A smiling cartoon figure standing on a small, brightly lit pedestal, signifying a special advantage or right.

📝 In Action

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

B1

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.

B2

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

Sus contactos políticos le dieron muchos privilegios.

B1

His political contacts gave him many advantages (privileges).

Word Connections

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

Common Collocations

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

honor

Also: pleasure
NounmB2formal
A joyful cartoon character proudly wearing a large, golden laurel wreath on their head, symbolizing honor and distinction.

📝 In Action

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

B2

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.

C1

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

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "privilegio" in Spanish:

advantage→honor→pleasure→privilege→special right→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
colegiosacrilegio
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word *privilegium*, which meant 'a law concerning an individual.' It is formed from *privus* (private/individual) and *lex* (law), highlighting its original meaning as a special legal status granted to one person.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: privilégioItalian: privilegioFrench: privilège

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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).