Inklingo

How to Say "relic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fósil

nounB1general
Use 'fósil' when referring to the preserved remains of ancient organisms, like bones or imprints from prehistoric times.

Examples

El fósil de trilobite es muy antiguo.

The trilobite fossil is very old.

reliquia

/reh-LEE-kyah//reˈlikja/

nounB2religious
Use 'reliquia' specifically for objects or body parts of a deceased saint or holy person that are kept as sacred reminders.
An ancient, weathered wooden box containing a small piece of cloth under a glass display.

Examples

Los peregrinos visitaron la iglesia para ver la reliquia sagrada.

The pilgrims visited the church to see the sacred relic.

La catedral exhibe una reliquia de San Pedro.

The cathedral displays a relic of Saint Peter.

Los arqueólogos encontraron reliquias de la civilización maya.

Archaeologists found remnants of the Mayan civilization.

Esta muralla es la última reliquia de la ciudad antigua.

This wall is the last remnant of the ancient city.

Plural for Remains

When talking about archaeology or bits of history, the plural form 'reliquias' is more common, similar to how we say 'remains' in English.

Don't confuse with 'Relicario'

Mistake: “Puse la foto en la reliquia.”

Correction: Puse la foto en el relicario. (A 'reliquia' is the item itself; a 'relicario' is the locket or container that holds it.)

Fósil vs. Reliquia

The most common mistake is using 'fósil' for sacred objects or 'reliquia' for ancient, non-religious remains. Remember that 'fósil' refers to ancient natural remains, while 'reliquia' has a strong religious connotation.

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