última voluntad y testamento
/ultima boluntad i testamento/from spelling rules
The English phrase "last will and testament" is translated into Spanish as última voluntad y testamento.
This phrase refers to a legal document that explains how a person wants their property and assets distributed after their death.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where última voluntad means "last will" and testamento means "testament".
Which one should you use?
While última voluntad y testamento is a complete phrase, the word testamento is often used alone in common everyday Spanish to mean "last will and testament".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The full phrase última voluntad y testamento is used in formal legal contexts, whereas testamento is the standard term in most other situations.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word testamento is used colloquially to describe any piece of writing that is excessively long or tedious, regardless of whether it is legal.
- The word voluntad shares a common ancestor with the English word 'volunteer', as both stem from the Latin idea of 'willing' or 'desiring' to do something.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a person can make a 'testamento abierto' (open will) in front of a notary, which is a public legal act rather than a private letter.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing family legal matters.
- AlejandroElena, ¿sabes dónde está la última voluntad y testamento?Elena, do you know where the last will and testament is?
- ElenaEstá guardada en la caja fuerte, Alejandro.It is kept in the safe, Alejandro.
- AlejandroNecesito leer la última voluntad y testamento hoy.I need to read the last will and testament today.
- ElenaEstá bien, yo buscaré la llave.Alright, I will look for the key.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries testamento, voluntad, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
