declaración de derechos
/deklaɾaθjon de deɾet͡ʃos/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "bill of rights" is translated into Spanish as declaración de derechos.
The term refers to a formal statement of the rights of a specified group of people.
Meaning: formal statement of the rights of a specified group of people (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a literal translation of 'declaration of rights', where declaración means 'declaration' and derechos means 'rights'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because declaración is a feminine noun, the definite article used must be la (as in la declaración de derechos). Additionally, while derechos (plural) is the standard way to refer to a Bill of Rights, using the singular derecho would change the meaning to a 'declaration of [a specific] right'.
How do you pronounce it?
/deklaɾaθjon de deɾetʃos/
Did you know?
- The word derechos can also mean 'taxes' or 'fees' in certain contexts, such as derechos de examen for 'exam fees'. This differs from the concept of human rights found in a declaración de derechos.
- In Spanish legal contexts, the term derechos is often paired with deberes, meaning 'duties'. While English emphasizes a 'bill of rights', Spanish civic discourse frequently balances derechos and deberes as two sides of the same coin.
- The word derechos comes from the Latin directus, meaning 'straight'. This reflects an ancient legal philosophy that a 'right' is a 'straight line' of justice that cannot be bent.
Examples in context
- Hay dos cosas por las que deberíamos luchar. Una es la defensa de nuestros hogares y la otra la Declaración de Derechos.There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights.This sentence shows how to express the importance of fighting for the declaración de derechos.Tatoeba #1353215 by Shishir, translation #1346187 by Spamster
- Lea la Declaración de Derechos.Read the Bill of Rights.This sentence is useful for giving a command to read the declaración de derechos.Tatoeba #8295500 by GuidoW, translation #8295079 by Amastan
- En la Declaración de Derechos se establecen las libertades fundamentales del pueblo.In the Bill of Rights, the fundamental freedoms of the people are established.
- La nueva declaración de derechos protege a todos.The new bill of rights protects everyone.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are studying law in a library.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿ya terminaste de leer la declaración de derechos?Daniel, have you finished reading the bill of rights yet?
- DanielTodavía no, es un texto muy largo.Not yet, it is a very long text.
- ElenaEs fundamental para entender la constitución.It is fundamental to understanding the constitution.
- DanielTienes razón, Elena. Seguiré leyendo ahora.You are right, Elena. I will keep reading now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bill of rights” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
