Inklingo

How to Say "deed" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “deed” is “hecho” — use 'hecho' for a general, everyday action or occurrence, often used in phrases like 'in fact'.

hecho🔊A2

Use 'hecho' for a general, everyday action or occurrence, often used in phrases like 'in fact'.

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acto🔊A2

Use 'acto' to describe a specific, often noteworthy or formal action or event.

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obra🔊B1

Use 'obra' for a moral, philanthropic, or artistic work, especially when referring to good deeds or a piece of art.

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escritura🔊B1

Use 'escritura' specifically for the legal document that records a property transaction.

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hazañaB2

Use 'hazaña' to describe a heroic, remarkable, or impressive feat, often of historical significance.

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instrumento🔊B2

Use 'instrumento' in a legal context to refer to a formal document, similar to 'escritura' but broader.

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títuloB2

Use 'título' when referring to a legal document that proves ownership, especially of property or a title of nobility.

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English → Spanish

hecho

EH-chohˈe.t͡ʃo

nounA2general
Use 'hecho' for a general, everyday action or occurrence, often used in phrases like 'in fact'.
A magnifying glass examining a detail in a book, representing the concept of a 'fact'.

Examples

De hecho, prefiero el té.

In fact, I prefer tea.

El hecho es que no tenemos suficiente tiempo.

The fact is that we don't have enough time.

Fue un hecho histórico muy importante.

It was a very important historical event.

acto

AHK-tohˈak.to

nounA2general
Use 'acto' to describe a specific, often noteworthy or formal action or event.
A child happily planting a small sapling into the ground using a shovel, symbolizing a specific action or deed.

Examples

Fue un acto de gran valentía salvar al perro.

It was an act of great bravery to save the dog.

Pedimos disculpas por nuestros actos pasados.

We apologize for our past actions.

Gender Rule

'Acto' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles and adjectives: 'el acto', 'un acto', 'ciertos actos'.

obra

OH-brahˈoβɾa

nounB1general
Use 'obra' for a moral, philanthropic, or artistic work, especially when referring to good deeds or a piece of art.
Two actors on a stage bowing after a theatrical performance, illuminated by a spotlight.

Examples

Fueron al teatro a ver una obra de Shakespeare.

They went to the theater to see a play by Shakespeare.

La obra que montaron fue un éxito total.

The play they staged was a total success.

Sus buenas obras fueron reconocidas por la comunidad.

His good deeds were recognized by the community. (Meaning 3, secondary)

Deeds and Actions

When 'obra' means a deed or action (usually moral or charitable), it is often used in the plural: 'hacer buenas obras' (to do good deeds).

escritura

es-kree-TOO-raheskɾiˈtuɾa

nounB1legal
Use 'escritura' specifically for the legal document that records a property transaction.
A formally rolled and tied parchment scroll, sealed with a prominent wax seal bearing a simple geometric shape, symbolizing a legal deed.

Examples

El notario preparó la escritura de compraventa del apartamento.

The notary prepared the deed of sale for the apartment.

Sin la escritura, no podemos demostrar que la casa es nuestra.

Without the deed, we cannot prove the house is ours.

Context is Key

When talking about houses, land, or formal agreements, 'escritura' almost always means the legal document, not just the handwriting.

hazaña

nounB2general
Use 'hazaña' to describe a heroic, remarkable, or impressive feat, often of historical significance.

Examples

Ganar tres medallas de oro en un solo día fue una gran hazaña.

Winning three gold medals in a single day was a great feat.

instrumento

een-stroo-MEN-tohinstɾuˈmento

nounB2legal
Use 'instrumento' in a legal context to refer to a formal document, similar to 'escritura' but broader.
A tightly rolled parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon and secured by a large, circular red wax seal, representing a formal contract.

Examples

El notario preparó el instrumento de compraventa de la propiedad.

The notary prepared the legal document (deed) for the sale of the property.

La diplomacia fue el instrumento clave para resolver el conflicto.

Diplomacy was the key means/instrument to resolve the conflict.

Necesitamos un instrumento legal que respalde nuestra decisión.

We need a legal document that supports our decision.

Formal Use

When referring to a legal paper, it often appears with words like 'público' (public) or 'notarial' (notary-related), indicating a very formal context.

título

nounB2legal
Use 'título' when referring to a legal document that proves ownership, especially of property or a title of nobility.

Examples

El duque heredó su título de nobleza de su padre.

The duke inherited his title of nobility from his father.

Action vs. Legal Document

Learners often confuse 'acto' or 'hecho' (actions) with 'escritura' or 'instrumento' (legal documents). Remember that 'deed' in English can mean both an action and a legal paper; Spanish requires you to choose the specific word based on context.

Related Translations

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