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How to Say "heir" in Spanish

English → Spanish

heredero

eh-reh-DEH-roh/eɾeˈðeɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'heredero' when referring to someone who is legally entitled to inherit money, property, or a title, especially from a deceased person.
A young woman formally holding a large, ornate, sealed scroll tied with a red ribbon, symbolizing her official receipt of an inheritance.

Examples

El heredero recibió la mansión y todas las posesiones de su abuelo.

The heir received his grandfather's mansion and all his possessions.

El hijo mayor fue nombrado heredero de toda la fortuna.

The eldest son was named heir to the entire fortune.

Tras el retiro del jefe, buscamos un heredero para dirigir la empresa.

After the boss retired, we looked for a successor to run the company.

La princesa es la heredera al trono.

The princess is the heir (heiress) to the throne.

Gender Matching

Remember that this word changes based on who you are talking about: use 'el heredero' for a male, and 'la heredera' for a female. It always needs the article 'el' or 'la'.

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: “Usar 'heredero' como verbo (e.g., 'Yo heredero la casa').”

Correction: The word for the action of receiving is 'heredar' (to inherit). 'Heredero' is only the person who receives.

sucesor

/soo-seh-SOR//su.θeˈsoɾ/

noungeneral
Use 'sucesor' when someone is designated to take over a position, role, or title, often in a more formal or professional context, or when the inheritance is not necessarily of a financial nature.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing an older king handing a golden crown to a younger prince.

Examples

Tras la jubilación del CEO, su sucesor fue anunciado la semana pasada.

After the CEO's retirement, his successor was announced last week.

El director ya ha elegido a su sucesor.

The director has already chosen his successor.

El príncipe es el sucesor natural al trono.

The prince is the natural successor to the throne.

No es fácil ser el sucesor de un líder tan carismático.

It is not easy to be the successor of such a charismatic leader.

The 'Personal A'

When you name a specific person as a 'sucesor' after a verb, you must use the word 'a' before it. For example: 'Buscan a un sucesor' (They are looking for a successor).

Gender matching

While 'sucesor' is the form for men, if you are talking about a woman, the word changes slightly to 'sucesora'.

The 'Success' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'sucesor' to mean someone who is successful.”

Correction: Use 'exitoso' for 'successful'. 'Sucesor' only means the person who comes AFTER someone else.

Choosing between 'heredero' and 'sucesor'

Learners often confuse 'heredero' and 'sucesor' by using 'heredero' for any kind of succession. Remember that 'heredero' specifically relates to inheriting wealth or property, often from family, while 'sucesor' is broader and can apply to any position or title being passed on.

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