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reliquia

reh-LEE-kyah/reˈlikja/

heirloom

Also: antique, treasure
NounfA2
An ornate, antique golden locket being held gently by a hand, symbolizing a family treasure.

📝 In Action

Este reloj es una reliquia de mi abuelo.

A2

This watch is an heirloom from my grandfather.

Ese coche viejo es una verdadera reliquia; ¡todavía funciona!

B1

That old car is a real antique; it still works!

Guardo sus cartas como si fueran una reliquia.

B2

I keep his letters as if they were a treasure.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • antigüedad (antique)
  • tesoro (treasure)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • reliquia familiar – family heirloom
  • una verdadera reliquia – a true antique

relic

Also: remnant
NounfB2formal
An ancient, weathered wooden box containing a small piece of cloth under a glass display.

📝 In Action

La catedral exhibe una reliquia de San Pedro.

B2

The cathedral displays a relic of Saint Peter.

Los arqueólogos encontraron reliquias de la civilización maya.

C1

Archaeologists found remnants of the Mayan civilization.

Esta muralla es la última reliquia de la ciudad antigua.

C1

This wall is the last remnant of the ancient city.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • resto (remain)
  • vestigio (vestige/trace)

Common Collocations

  • reliquia sagrada – sacred relic
  • reliquia histórica – historical relic

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "reliquia" in Spanish:

antique→heirloom→relic→remnant→treasure→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: reliquia

Question 1 of 3

If you find your great-grandmother's wedding ring in a box, you would call it...

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
relicario(reliquary/locket) — Noun
reliquiario(relic-holder) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'reliquiae', which literally means 'the things that are left behind' or 'leftovers.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: relicFrench: reliqueItalian: reliquia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'reliquia' only for religious things?

No. While it started with religion, today it is very common to use it for anything old and special, like a vintage car or a piece of jewelry.

How do I say 'family heirloom'?

The most natural way is 'una reliquia familiar'.

Can I use 'reliquia' for a person?

You can, but be careful! It's usually a joke or a light insult meaning they are 'from another era' or very old.