How to Say "legal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “legal” is “legal” — use 'legal' when referring to something that is permitted by law or that conforms to the law in a general sense, like a document or requirement.
legal
leh-GAHLleˈɣal
Examples
Necesitas un documento legal para cruzar la frontera.
You need a legal document to cross the border.
La decisión del juez fue completamente legal.
The judge's decision was completely lawful.
Buscaremos asesoramiento legal antes de firmar el contrato.
We will seek legal advice before signing the contract.
Adjective Placement
Like many descriptive adjectives, 'legal' usually goes after the noun it describes: 'un documento legal' (a legal document).
Using the English word order
Mistake: “Dicen que es un legal problema.”
Correction: Dicen que es un problema legal. (Remember: descriptive adjectives usually come after the noun.)
legales
leh-GAH-lehsleˈɣales
Examples
Necesitamos revisar todos los documentos legales antes de firmar.
We need to review all the legal documents before signing.
Las acciones tomadas por la empresa fueron completamente legales.
The actions taken by the company were completely legal.
El abogado sugirió buscar soluciones legales al problema.
The lawyer suggested looking for lawful solutions to the problem.
Adjective Agreement (Plural)
Since 'legales' is an adjective, its ending must match the noun it describes. If you are talking about more than one thing, you must use the plural form 'legales' (e.g., 'leyes legales').
The -es Plural Rule
The singular form is 'legal.' Because 'legal' ends in a consonant ('l'), you add '-es' to make it plural, resulting in 'legales'.
Forgetting the Plural Ending
Mistake: “Los documentos legal.”
Correction: The correct phrase is 'Los documentos legales.' Always make sure the adjective agrees with the plural noun.
jurídico
Examples
Necesitamos analizar el marco jurídico antes de firmar el contrato.
We need to analyze the legal framework before signing the contract.
judicial
hoo-dee-SYALxu.ðisˈjal
Examples
El proceso judicial puede durar años.
The judicial process can last years.
La orden judicial obliga a la empresa a pagar la multa.
The court order forces the company to pay the fine.
Necesitamos una revisión judicial de las pruebas.
We need a judicial review of the evidence.
Gender is Easy
Because 'judicial' ends in -l, it is an adjective that stays the same whether the noun it describes is masculine (el proceso judicial) or feminine (la orden judicial). You only need to worry about making it plural (judiciales).
Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'judicial' usually comes immediately after the noun it modifies, such as 'proceso judicial' (judicial process) or 'sistema judicial' (judicial system).
Confusing Legal and Judicial
Mistake: “Using 'legal' when specifically referring to the court system (e.g., 'el sistema legal').”
Correction: While 'legal' works, 'judicial' is much more precise when talking about judges, trials, and court administration. Use 'sistema judicial' for the branch of government.
forenses
fo-REN-sesfoˈɾenses
Examples
La policía está esperando los resultados de las pruebas forenses.
The police are waiting for the forensic test results.
El análisis de las huellas forenses tomó varias horas.
The analysis of the forensic prints took several hours.
One word for everyone
This word doesn't change whether you are talking about something 'masculine' or 'feminine'. It always ends in -es when plural.
Don't say 'forensos'
Mistake: “pruebas forensas”
Correction: pruebas forenses. Even though 'pruebas' is feminine, the word 'forenses' stays the same for both genders.
General 'legal' vs. Specific Contexts
Related Translations
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