How to Say "witnesses" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “witnesses” is “testigos” — use 'testigos' when referring to people who saw an event or crime occur and may be asked to provide information about it..
testigos
tes-TEE-gos/tesˈti.ɣos/
Examples
La policía entrevistó a varios testigos del accidente.
The police interviewed several witnesses to the accident.
Necesitamos dos testigos para firmar este contrato legal.
We need two witnesses to sign this legal contract.
Los niños fueron testigos de cómo el perro se robó la pelota.
The children were witnesses to how the dog stole the ball.
Masculine Plural Form
Even though 'testigos' can refer to a group of men, women, or a mixed group, the word itself is grammatically masculine plural. The singular form is 'testigo' (which works for both genders, like 'el testigo' or 'la testigo').
Confusing Gender
Mistake: “When referring to a female witness, learners sometimes try to say 'testiga'.”
Correction: The correct singular noun is 'testigo' for both genders. You just change the article: 'la testigo' (the female witness).
sobrevivientes
/so-bre-bee-BYEN-tes//soβreβiˈβjentes/
Examples
Los sobrevivientes del naufragio fueron rescatados esta mañana.
The survivors of the shipwreck were rescued this morning.
No hubo sobrevivientes en el accidente de avión.
There were no survivors in the plane crash.
Las sobrevivientes compartieron sus valientes historias.
The female survivors shared their brave stories.
Group Gender
Use 'los' for a group of men or a mixed group, and 'las' only if the entire group is female.
One vs. Many
To talk about just one person, remove the 's' at the end to get 'sobreviviente'.
Don't confuse with 'vivos'
Mistake: “Using 'sobrevivientes' just to say people are alive.”
Correction: Use 'sobrevivientes' specifically when people have escaped a danger or a disaster.
Confusing 'testigos' and 'sobrevivientes'
Related Translations
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