Inklingo

How to Say "memorial" in Spanish

English → Spanish

homenaje

/oh-meh-NAH-heh//omeˈnaxe/

nounB1general
Use 'homenaje' to refer to an act of honor or a tribute, often a ceremony or event, organized to remember and celebrate a person, especially after their passing or retirement.
A child handing a beautiful bouquet of flowers to an elderly person in a garden.

Examples

Se organizó un homenaje para el reconocido escritor.

A tribute was organized for the renowned writer.

Hicieron un homenaje para el profesor que se jubiló.

They held a tribute for the teacher who retired.

El concierto fue un emotivo homenaje a la música de los años 80.

The concert was a moving tribute to 80s music.

Rindieron homenaje a los héroes nacionales en la plaza principal.

They paid tribute to the national heroes in the main square.

Always Masculine

Even if you are honoring a woman, the word is always 'el homenaje'. It doesn't change to match the person you are talking about.

Using 'Rendir'

While you can 'hacer' (make/do) a tribute, using the verb 'rendir' (to give or render) makes you sound much more like a native speaker when paying respect.

False Friend Confusion

Mistake: “Thinking it means 'home' because of how it starts.”

Correction: It relates to 'honor' or 'man' (fealty), not a house. Use 'hogar' or 'casa' for home.

monumento

/mo-noo-men-toh//monuˈmento/

nounA1general
Use 'monumento' when referring to a physical structure, like a statue or building, that has been erected in a public space to commemorate a significant event or honor a person.
A large stone statue of a historical figure standing on a pedestal in a public square.

Examples

El parque tiene un monumento a los héroes de la guerra.

The park has a monument to the war heroes.

Fuimos a ver el monumento en la plaza.

We went to see the monument in the square.

Este monumento histórico es muy antiguo.

This historical monument is very old.

La ciudad tiene muchos monumentos dedicados a sus héroes.

The city has many monuments dedicated to its heroes.

Gender Check

This is a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el monumento' (the monument).

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to the end: 'los monumentos'.

Watch the Spelling

Mistake: “monomiento”

Correction: monumento (Remember it has 'u' after the 'n', just like in English).

Homenaje vs. Monumento

Learners often confuse 'homenaje' and 'monumento' because both relate to remembrance. Remember that 'homenaje' is typically an action or event, while 'monumento' is a physical object.

Related Translations

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