How to Say "possession" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “possession” is “posesión” — use 'posesión' when referring to the act or fact of having or holding something, especially in a legal or physical sense.
posesión
Examples
La posesión de drogas es ilegal.
Possession of drugs is illegal.
pertenencia
per-te-nen-syahpeɾteˈnensja
Examples
La pertenencia a este club requiere una cuota anual.
Membership in this club requires an annual fee.
La pertenencia de estas tierras ha sido debatida por años.
The ownership of these lands has been debated for years.
El museo reclama la pertenencia del cuadro.
The museum claims ownership of the painting.
Se debe verificar la pertenencia de los objetos encontrados.
The ownership of the found objects must be verified.
Abstract vs. Concrete
In the singular, 'pertenencia' refers to the concept of owning. If you want to talk about your physical things (keys, phone, etc.), you must use the plural 'pertenencias'.
Singular vs. Plural
Mistake: “Recogí mi pertenencia.”
Correction: Recogí mis pertenencias. (When referring to physical items you own, use the plural form.)
Posesión vs. Pertenencia
Related Translations
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