derechos humanos
/deˌɾet͡ʃos uˈmanos/masculine, plural
The English phrase 'human rights' is translated into Spanish as derechos humanos. Wiktionary also lists DD. HH.
Meaning: set of basic rights and freedoms that all humans should be guaranteed (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| derechos humanos | /deˌɾet͡ʃos uˈmanos/ | masculine, plural |
| DD. HH. | masculine, plural |
The most common and generic term for 'human rights' is derechos humanos. Another relevant expression for 'human rights' is derechos fundamentales.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase derechos humanos is composed of derechos (rights) and humanos (human).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
derechos fundamentales is frequently employed in legal contexts or when discussing constitutional rights.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the vast majority of Spanish-speaking countries use derechos humanos.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is derecho humano. Because derechos is a masculine plural noun, the definite article used is los in the phrase los derechos humanos.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˌɾetʃos uˈmanos/
Did you know?
- In written Spanish, the abbreviation DD. HH. uses double letters to indicate that both 'derechos' and 'humanos' are plural.
- The word derecho comes from the Latin directum, which originally meant 'straight' or 'correct', linking the idea of law to a straight line.
- If you are studying the legal profession in a Spanish-speaking country, you might call the practice of law el derecho rather than using the word for 'rights'.
Examples in context
- Mary está defendiendo los derechos humanos.Mary is defending human rights.Tatoeba #1522661 by marcelostockle, translation #1522527 by Spamster
- Él dio una conferencia sobre derechos humanos.He gave a lecture on human rights.Tatoeba #3777472 by SrTortuga, translation #12958816 by araneo
- El pasaporte covid va contra los derechos humanos.COVID passports violate human rights.Tatoeba #10517834 by saverius, translation #10518814 by DJ_Saidez
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a news article in a cafe.
- DanielLeí un artículo sobre los derechos humanos.I read an article about human rights.
- SofíaEs un tema muy importante, Daniel.It is a very important topic, Daniel.
- DanielSí, todos debemos respetar los derechos humanos.Yes, we must all respect human rights.
- SofíaEstoy totalmente de acuerdo contigo, Sofía.I totally agree with you, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “human rights” translations and entries derechos humanos, DD. HH., CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
