How to Say “Heritage” in Spanish

patrimonio
/patɾimonjo/from spelling rules
The English word "heritage" is translated into Spanish as patrimonio.
patrimonio is used to refer to cultural or natural heritage. In formal or academic contexts, the phrase patrimonio cultural is the standard way to say "cultural heritage". Additionally, the specific phrase patrimonio de la humanidad is used to denote "world heritage", such as in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Meaning: tradition (noun)

Which one should you use?

While patrimonio refers to cultural or natural heritage, the word herencia is used when talking about an inheritance of money or property left by an individual.

How does it change in a sentence?

The noun patrimonio is masculine and is used with the masculine article el.

How do you pronounce it?

/patɾimonjo/

Did you know?

  • In a Spanish legal or accounting setting, patrimonio describes the balance of both assets and debts, effectively meaning 'net worth' rather than just 'heritage'.
  • While patrimonio covers cultural legacy, the word herencia is used to describe biological traits like eye color or hair type inherited from parents.
  • The word patrimonio is derived from the Latin patrimonium, which originally meant an estate inherited from one's father.

Examples in context

  • El centro de la ciudad, lugar de Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO, es una visita obligada.
    A visit to the city centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must.
    This sentence uses patrimonio to refer to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    Tatoeba #1740650 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1740648 by al_ex_an_der
  • Colonia del Sacramento, hoy considerada Patrimonio de la Humanidad, fue fundada en 1680 por las tropas portuguesas que se asentaron sobre las costas rioplatenses.
    Colonia del Sacramento, today considered a World Heritage Site, was founded in 1680 by Portuguese troops that settled on the banks of the La Plata river.
    This sentence uses patrimonio to describe a location considered a World Heritage Site.
    Tatoeba #2789903 by nancy, translation #9313305 by Nylez
  • El patrimonio cultural de esta ciudad es asombroso
    The cultural heritage of this city is astounding
  • El legado de nuestros antepasados es crucial para comprender nuestra identidad
    The legacy of our ancestors is crucial to understanding our identity
  • No debemos olvidar nuestras raíces y nuestras tradiciones
    We must not forget our roots and our traditions
  • El acervo cultural de este país es excepcional
    The cultural heritage of this country is exceptional

Example conversation

Elena and Mateo are visiting an old museum.

  1. Elena

    Este museo protege nuestro patrimonio cultural.
    This museum protects our cultural heritage.
  2. Mateo

    Es muy importante cuidar el patrimonio de la ciudad.
    It is very important to take care of the city's heritage.
  3. Elena

    ¿Qué es lo que más te gusta de él?
    What do you like most about it?
  4. Mateo

    Me encantan las esculturas antiguas.
    I love the ancient sculptures.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries patrimonio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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Natalie Ella
Natalie EllaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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