Inklingo

How to Say "lawyer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

abogado

ah-boh-GAH-doha.βoˈɣa.ðo

nounA2general
Use 'abogado' when referring to a legal professional in general, or when describing someone's profession.
A person wearing a formal suit standing near a desk, holding the balanced scales of justice.

Examples

Mi hermano es abogado y trabaja en un bufete grande.

My brother is a lawyer and works at a big firm.

Necesito contratar a un buen abogado para mi caso.

I need to hire a good lawyer for my case.

El abogado defensor presentó nuevas pruebas en el juicio.

The defense attorney presented new evidence at the trial.

Gender in Professions

The word 'abogado' refers to a male lawyer. To talk about a female lawyer, you use the related word 'abogada'. The ending often changes to match the gender of the person.

Articles with Professions

Mistake: “Soy un abogado.”

Correction: Soy abogado. When you say what you do for a living using the verb 'ser' (to be), you usually don't need to add 'un' or 'una' (a/an) before the profession.

licenciado

lee-sen-syah-dohliθenˈθjaðo

nounB1formal
Use 'licenciado' specifically when addressing or referring to an attorney in a formal or respectful manner, similar to 'counselor' in English.
A professional person in a business suit holding a leather briefcase.

Examples

Dígame, licenciado, ¿qué opina del caso?

Tell me, counselor, what do you think of the case?

Mañana tengo una cita con el licenciado Martínez.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with Mr. Martínez (the lawyer).

Buenos días, licenciado.

Good morning, sir (addressing a professional/lawyer).

Replacing 'Señor'

In many countries, people use 'Licenciado' instead of 'Señor' to show extra respect for someone's education.

Don't just use it for lawyers

Mistake: “Thinking it ONLY means lawyer.”

Correction: While common for lawyers, it can refer to anyone with a high-level university degree in Latin America.

Abogado vs. Licenciado

The most common mistake is using 'licenciado' when 'abogado' is more appropriate. Remember, 'abogado' is the everyday term for lawyer, while 'licenciado' is a more formal title or form of address.

Related Translations

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