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How to Say "legitimate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

justificado

hoos-tee-fee-KAH-dohxustifiˈkaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'justificado' when 'legitimate' means reasonable, logical, or having a good reason, often used to explain an action or feeling.
A child helping an elderly person carry groceries, showing a clear good reason for their action.

Examples

Su enfado está totalmente justificado.

His anger is totally justified.

No creo que ese gasto extra esté justificado.

I don't think that extra expense is justified.

El retraso está justificado por la huelga de trenes.

The delay is warranted due to the train strike.

Matching the Noun

Since this is a describing word, it must change to match the gender and number of the thing you are talking about. Use 'justificado' for masculine things and 'justificada' for feminine things.

Using it with 'Estar'

We usually use this word with 'estar' because being justified is seen as a state or a result of a specific reason, rather than a permanent personality trait.

Justificado vs. Justo

Mistake: “Esa decisión no es justificada.”

Correction: Esa decisión no es justa.

legítimo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'legítimo' when 'legitimate' refers to something being lawful, genuine, or authentic, such as a signature, claim, or artwork.

Examples

Esta es una pintura legítima de Dalí.

This is a genuine painting by Dalí.

legales

leh-GAH-lehsleˈɣales

adjectiveA2formal
Use 'legales' when 'legitimate' specifically relates to the law, such as legal documents, rights, or procedures.
A simple wooden judge's gavel resting horizontally on a round wooden striking block, symbolizing law and rules.

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.

Legítimo vs. Justificado

Learners often confuse 'legítimo' and 'justificado'. Remember that 'justificado' means 'justified' or 'reasonable' (like a good reason for being upset), while 'legítimo' means 'lawful' or 'authentic' (like a real signature or a genuine item).

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