Inklingo

How to Say "bequest" in Spanish

English → Spanish

herencia

eh-REN-see-ah/eˈɾenθja/

nounB1formal
Use 'herencia' when referring to the property, money, or other assets that someone inherits from a deceased person, especially in a formal or legal context.
A small, ornate wooden treasure chest overflowing with gold coins and a few pieces of jewelry, placed next to a rolled-up legal document tied with a red ribbon.

Examples

Recibió una gran herencia de su abuelo.

She received a large inheritance from her grandfather.

Tuvieron que pagar muchos impuestos por la herencia.

They had to pay many taxes on the inheritance.

Feminine Noun

'Herencia' is a feminine word, so always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la herencia', 'una herencia grande').

Saying 'the heir'

Mistake: “El herencia”

Correction: La herencia. Remember the word is feminine, even if the person receiving the inheritance is male.

legado

leh-GAH-doh/leˈɣa.ðo/

nounB1formal
Use 'legado' when referring to a specific item, sum of money, or even a cultural contribution that is intentionally left or passed on through a will or over time.
A close-up view of an antique, golden key being gently passed from the wrinkled hand of an older person to the smaller, open hand of a child.

Examples

El legado que dejó en su testamento era una colección de arte.

The bequest he left in his will was an art collection.

El legado cultural de los romanos aún se ve en Europa.

The cultural legacy of the Romans is still seen in Europe.

Su mayor legado fue la fundación de una escuela gratuita.

His greatest legacy was the founding of a free school.

Recibió un pequeño legado de su tía abuela.

She received a small bequest (inheritance) from her great-aunt.

Always Masculine

Even though 'legacy' can feel abstract, 'legado' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Legado vs. Herencia

Mistake: “Using 'herencia' when referring to a person's abstract impact (e.g., 'the herencia of the president').”

Correction: 'Legado' is better for abstract impact, reputation, or cultural contribution. 'Herencia' usually refers specifically to money or property left in a will.

Herencia vs. Legado

Learners often confuse 'herencia' and 'legado'. While 'herencia' is the general term for inheritance, 'legado' specifically refers to a particular item or sum gifted in a will. Think of 'legado' as a specific part of the 'herencia'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.