derechos de autor
/deɾet͡ʃos de autoɾ/from spelling rulesmasculine, plural
In Spanish, copyright is translated as derechos de autor. Wiktionary also lists derecho de autor and derecho de copia privada.
Meaning: right to publish (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| derechos de autor | /deɾet͡ʃos de autoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| derecho de autor | /deɾet͡ʃo de autoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| derecho de copia privada | /deɾet͡ʃo de kopja pɾibada/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to the right to publish. To place something under copyright, you can use the phrase registrar derechos de autor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase derechos de autor literally translates to rights of the author.
Which one should you use?
While derecho de autor is the singular form, the plural derechos de autor is the standard way to refer to the general concept of copyright. There is also derecho de copia privada.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may use derechos de autor. In Chile and some other South American countries, the expression protección de derechos de autor is commonly employed.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/deɾetʃos de autoɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word copyright when speaking Spanish. Instead, use derechos de autor for all legal and formal contexts.
Did you know?
- Unlike English common law, the Spanish legal tradition behind derechos de autor often makes certain 'moral rights' inalienable, meaning an author cannot legally sell or waive the right to be credited as the creator.
- The word autor in Spanish is a semi-learned borrowing from the Latin auctor, which originally meant 'one who increases' or 'one who grows'.
- In Spanish, the word derecho is a homonym meaning both 'right' as in a legal entitlement and 'straight' as in a direct line.
Examples in context
- Aquí entran en juego los derechos de autor.Here the copyright comes into play.This sentence shows how to express the idea of copyright coming into play using derechos de autor.Tatoeba #2511889 by marcelostockle, translation #2512940 by Dejo
- No creo en los derechos de autor.I don't believe in copyright.This sentence expresses a personal belief regarding derechos de autor.Tatoeba #12400234 by DJ_Saidez, translation #9573184 by shekitten
- Los derechos de autor solo existen si quieres.Copyright only exists if you want it to.This sentence describes the conditions under which derechos de autor exist.Tatoeba #10617228 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10516120 by DJ_Saidez
- El derecho de autor protege la obra original de los creadores.The copyright protects the original work of the creators.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a website project.
- Daniel¿Sabes algo sobre los derechos de autor de estas fotos?Do you know anything about the copyright of these photos?
- SofíaSí, tenemos que respetar los derechos de autor siempre.Yes, we must always respect the copyright.
- DanielEs importante para evitar problemas legales.It is important to avoid legal problems.
- SofíaTienes razón, Daniel, debemos ser cuidadosos.You are right, Daniel, we must be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “copyright” translations and entries derechos de autor, derecho de autor, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autor, copia, de, derecho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
