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How to Say "vestiges" in Spanish

English → Spanish

restos

RESS-tohs/ˈres.tos/

nounB2general
Use 'restos' when referring to general signs or remains of something that existed in the past, like ruins, evidence, or traces of an event or civilization.
A crumbling, weathered stone column fragment standing upright in a grassy field under a blue sky, symbolizing historical ruins.

Examples

Solo quedan restos de la civilización perdida en esta zona.

Only remnants of the lost civilization remain in this area.

Aún se veían restos de nieve en las cimas de las montañas.

Traces of snow could still be seen on the mountain tops.

Figurative Use

You can use 'restos' to describe the 'remnants' of abstract things, like feelings, memories, or political structures.

cicatrices

/see-kah-TREE-sehs//sikaˈtɾises/

nounB2general
Choose 'cicatrices' when the remnants specifically imply damage, suffering, or lasting negative effects from a past event, often used metaphorically.
A small, colorful cracked ceramic heart that has been carefully glued back together with gold lines.

Examples

Las cicatrices del alma tardan más en sanar.

The scars of the soul take longer to heal.

Esa mala experiencia le dejó cicatrices emocionales.

That bad experience left him with emotional scars.

Restos vs. Cicatrices

Learners often confuse 'restos' and 'cicatrices' by using 'cicatrices' for neutral remnants. Remember, 'cicatrices' implies a negative or damaging past, like emotional or physical wounds, while 'restos' is a more neutral term for any leftover signs.

Related Translations

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