progenie
/pɾoˈxenje/feminine
In Spanish, the English phrase bloodline can be translated as progenie. Wiktionary also lists línea sanguínea / sanguina.
Meaning: link between a person and their ancestors (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| progenie | /pɾoˈxenje/ | feminine |
| línea sanguínea / sanguina | feminine |
The term refers to the link between a person and their ancestors.
Which one should you use?
While progenie can be used to refer to a bloodline, it more specifically emphasizes the offspring or descendants themselves. For the abstract concept of a lineage or bloodline, línea sanguínea is the most direct translation. Another common and natural synonym for bloodline, especially when discussing noble or ancestral descent, is linaje.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adjective sanguínea to mean 'blood', it must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For example, it is línea sanguínea because 'línea' is feminine, but it would be linaje sanguíneo because 'linaje' is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈxenje/
Did you know?
- In historical Spanish legal contexts, linaje was used not just to describe ancestry but to determine 'pureza de sangre' or purity of blood. This was a formal requirement to prove a person had no Jewish or Muslim ancestors to hold certain offices.
- Spanish has a unique word tronco which literally means 'tree trunk' but is used in genealogy to describe the common ancestor from which several bloodlines branch out.
- The word línea comes from the Latin word for 'flax', the plant used to make linen thread. This reveals that the concept of a 'line' of descent was originally a metaphor for a physical piece of string.
Examples in context
- La estirpe real se remonta a varias dinastías diferentes, cada una con su propia historia.The royal bloodline dates back to several different dynasties, each with its own history.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their family history.
- JavierTengo curiosidad sobre el origen de mi progenie.I am curious about the origin of my bloodline.
- SofíaTus antepasados venían de un pueblo muy lejano.Your ancestors came from a very distant town.
- JavierNo sabía que mi progenie fuera tan diversa.I didn't know my bloodline was so diverse.
- SofíaEs fascinante descubrir la historia de tu familia.It is fascinating to discover your family history.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bloodline” translations and entries progenie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries línea, progenie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
