Inklingo

How to Say "inscription" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inscripción

nounB1general
Use 'inscripción' when referring to text that has been physically carved, engraved, or written directly onto a surface, such as a monument, ring, or plaque.

Examples

La tumba tenía una inscripción con el nombre del difunto.

The tomb had an inscription with the deceased's name.

leyenda

leh-YEHN-dahleˈʝen̪.da

nounB2general
Use 'leyenda' when the writing serves as a key or explanation for symbols, colors, or elements within a diagram, map, or even a legend on a piece of clothing.
A simplified rectangular key box from a map, showing various icons like a house and a tree, each paired with a space for an explanation (no actual text visible).

Examples

Consulta la leyenda del gráfico para entender los diferentes colores.

Consult the graph's legend to understand the different colors.

Debes consultar la leyenda del mapa para identificar los símbolos.

You must consult the map key to identify the symbols.

La leyenda al pie de la gráfica explica el significado de los colores.

The caption at the bottom of the graph explains the meaning of the colors.

Technical Use

This meaning is often found in academic texts, manuals, or when describing visual data like charts and graphs.

Inscripción vs. Leyenda

Learners often confuse 'inscripción' and 'leyenda' by using 'inscripción' for any kind of explanatory text. Remember that 'inscripción' implies text physically applied to an object, while 'leyenda' is for explanatory keys or legends.

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