Inklingo

How to Say "heirloom" in Spanish

The Spanish word forheirloomis reliquiaA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2
nounA2
a valuable object passed down in a family
An ornate, antique golden locket being held gently by a hand, symbolizing a family treasure.

Examples

Este reloj es una reliquia de mi abuelo.

This watch is an heirloom from my grandfather.

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

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

Guardo sus cartas como si fueran una reliquia.

I keep his letters as if they were a treasure.

Always Feminine

Even if the object you are describing is masculine (like 'el reloj' or 'el coche'), you still use the feminine word 'una reliquia' to describe it.

Describing Objects vs. People

When you call an object a 'reliquia', it is usually a compliment meaning it is well-preserved. If you call a person a 'reliquia', it can be a bit cheeky or rude, implying they are very old-fashioned.

Gender Matching

Mistake:Ese libro es un reliquia.

Correction: Ese libro es una reliquia. (Always use 'una' because 'reliquia' is a feminine word, regardless of the object it describes.)

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