usucapión
/usukaˈpjon/
The Spanish term for adverse possession is usucapión.
Meaning: legal principle (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/usukaˈpjon/
Did you know?
- While 'adverse' suggests a fight in English, the Spanish legal process of usucapión emphasizes that the possession must be pacífica, meaning peaceful and without violence.
- The term usucapión is a direct linguistic descendant of the Latin 'usu' meaning 'use' and 'capere' meaning 'to take', literally meaning 'to take by use'.
- The concept of usucapión can be applied not only to land but also to movable objects like jewelry or artwork in several Spanish-speaking jurisdictions.
Examples in context
- El abogado mencionó la usucapión en el juicio.The lawyer mentioned adverse possession in the trial.
- La usucapión requiere cumplir ciertos requisitos legales.Adverse possession requires meeting certain legal requirements.
- Él solicitó la usucapión de la finca.He requested adverse possession of the estate.
Example conversation
A lawyer's office where a client is seeking advice.
- Alejandro¿Es posible reclamar la propiedad mediante la usucapión?Is it possible to claim ownership through adverse possession?
- SofíaDepende de cuánto tiempo haya ocupado el terreno, Alejandro.It depends on how long you have occupied the land, Alejandro.
- AlejandroHe vivido allí más de diez años.I have lived there for more than ten years.
- SofíaEntonces, la usucapión podría ser una opción para ti.Then adverse possession could be an option for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usucapión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries usucapión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
