How to Say "heritage" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “heritage” is “patrimonio” — use 'patrimonio' when referring to cultural or historical assets that are officially recognized or protected, like monuments, sites, or collections.
Use 'patrimonio' when referring to cultural or historical assets that are officially recognized or protected, like monuments, sites, or collections.
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Choose 'herencia' for a broader sense of cultural, historical, or even genetic legacy inherited from the past.
Learn more →Use 'tradición' specifically for customs, beliefs, or practices that are passed down through generations as part of cultural inheritance.
Learn more →pah-tree-moh-nyohpa.tɾi.ˈmo.njo
Examples
El casco antiguo de la ciudad es patrimonio de la humanidad.
The old town of the city is a world heritage site.
La ciudad de Toledo es parte del patrimonio español.
The city of Toledo is part of Spanish heritage.
Debemos cuidar nuestro patrimonio natural para las futuras generaciones.
We must take care of our natural heritage for future generations.
La UNESCO declaró este bosque como Patrimonio de la Humanidad.
UNESCO declared this forest a World Heritage site.
Always Masculine
Even if you are talking about 'the history' (la historia), the word 'patrimonio' is always masculine (el patrimonio).
Heritage vs. Inheritance
Mistake: “Using 'herencia' to describe a museum or monument.”
Correction: Use 'patrimonio' for collective cultural things and 'herencia' for things your family leaves you when they pass away.
eh-REN-see-aheˈɾenθja
Examples
La herencia literaria de García Márquez es inmensa.
The literary heritage of García Márquez is immense.
La herencia cultural de España es muy rica.
Spain's cultural heritage is very rich.
El color de sus ojos es una herencia genética de su madre.
His eye color is a genetic trait (or inheritance) from his mother.
tradición
Examples
Las fiestas de San Fermín son una tradición navarra muy conocida.
The San Fermín festivals are a well-known Navarrese tradition.
Patrimonio vs. Herencia
Learners often confuse 'patrimonio' and 'herencia'. Remember that 'patrimonio' usually refers to tangible cultural or historical assets, often with official recognition. 'Herencia' is broader and can include intangible aspects or even genetic traits.
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