Inklingo

How to Say "inheritance" in Spanish

English → Spanish

herencia

eh-REN-see-ah/eˈɾenθja/

nounB1general
Use 'herencia' when referring specifically to money, property, or assets that someone receives from a deceased person, typically through a will or as a direct family transfer.
A small, ornate wooden treasure chest overflowing with gold coins and a few pieces of jewelry, placed next to a rolled-up legal document tied with a red ribbon.

Examples

Recibió una gran herencia de su abuelo.

She received a large inheritance from her grandfather.

Tuvieron que pagar muchos impuestos por la herencia.

They had to pay many taxes on the inheritance.

Feminine Noun

'Herencia' is a feminine word, so always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la herencia', 'una herencia grande').

Saying 'the heir'

Mistake: “El herencia”

Correction: La herencia. Remember the word is feminine, even if the person receiving the inheritance is male.

legado

leh-GAH-doh/leˈɣa.ðo/

nounB1general
Use 'legado' when referring to something left or bequeathed, especially in a will, or more broadly, to a lasting impact, tradition, or cultural contribution from the past.
A close-up view of an antique, golden key being gently passed from the wrinkled hand of an older person to the smaller, open hand of a child.

Examples

El legado cultural de los romanos aún se ve en Europa.

The cultural legacy of the Romans is still seen in Europe.

Su mayor legado fue la fundación de una escuela gratuita.

His greatest legacy was the founding of a free school.

Recibió un pequeño legado de su tía abuela.

She received a small bequest (inheritance) from her great-aunt.

Always Masculine

Even though 'legacy' can feel abstract, 'legado' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Legado vs. Herencia

Mistake: “Using 'herencia' when referring to a person's abstract impact (e.g., 'the herencia of the president').”

Correction: 'Legado' is better for abstract impact, reputation, or cultural contribution. 'Herencia' usually refers specifically to money or property left in a will.

Herencia vs. Legado

The most common confusion is using 'legado' for simple monetary or property inheritance. Remember that 'herencia' is the direct translation for inherited wealth or assets. 'Legado' is broader and can include non-material things like cultural impact or traditions.

Related Translations

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