How to Say "deed" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “deed” is “hecho” — use 'hecho' when referring to an action or an event that has occurred, often used in phrases like 'de hecho' (in fact)..
hecho
/EH-choh//ˈe.t͡ʃo/
Examples
Es un hecho que el sol sale por el este.
It is a fact that the sun rises in the east.
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.
escritura
/es-kree-TOO-rah//eskɾiˈtuɾa/
Examples
Firmamos la escritura de la casa en el banco.
We signed the deed for the house at the bank.
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.
obra
OH-brah/ˈoβɾa/
Examples
Sus obras de caridad ayudaron a muchas familias.
His charitable deeds helped many families.
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).
instrumento
een-stroo-MEN-toh/instɾuˈmento/
Examples
El abogado revisó el instrumento legal antes de la firma.
The lawyer reviewed the legal instrument before signing.
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
Examples
El título de propiedad está a nombre de mi abuela.
The title deed is in my grandmother's name.
Hecho vs. Escritura
Related Translations
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