Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abogado | /aboˈɡado/ | masculine |
| letrado | /leˈtɾado/ | formal, masculine |
| notario | /noˈtaɾjo/ | masculine |
| abogada | /aboˈɡada/ | feminine |
The term refers to a professional qualified to practice law, provide legal advice and represent parties in trials or lawsuits. While abogado is the standard term, you may encounter jurista when referring specifically to legal experts and scholars.
Which one should you use?
Abogado is the general term for a lawyer. In contrast, notario refers specifically to a civil law notary, which is a specialized legal professional with different powers. Letrado is used to describe lawyers who are highly trained and knowledgeable in the legal field.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Abogado is a common and widely recognized word used across most Spanish-speaking regions. Letrado is a more formal or technical term, often appearing in legal documents or court settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spanish uses gendered forms for this noun. Use abogado for a masculine subject and abogada for a feminine subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/aboˈɡado/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a notario is a highly prestigious public official appointed by the state, rather than a private professional who simply notarizes signatures.
- The phrase abogar por alguien is used in everyday Spanish to mean 'to stand up for' or 'to support' someone, even if no lawyers are involved.
- The word letrado comes from the Latin litterātus, meaning 'learned' or 'erudite'. It is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'literate'.
Examples in context
- Tom es mi abogado.Tom is my lawyer.This sentence uses abogado to identify someone's profession.Tatoeba #2343133 by hayastan, translation #2273309 by CK
- ¿Eres tú un abogado?Are you a lawyer?This sentence uses abogado to ask a question about someone's profession.Tatoeba #1167453 by marcelostockle, translation #1167039 by CK
- Mi madre es abogada.My mother is a lawyer.This sentence uses abogada to identify a woman's profession.Tatoeba #2136867 by Shishir, translation #1771641 by Zaphod
- Necesito contratar a un abogadoI need to hire a lawyer
- El letrado redactó el contratoThe lawyer drafted the contract
- Ella es una abogada muy talentosaShe is a very talented lawyer
- Trabajo en un bufete de abogados reconocidoI work in a well-known law firm
- El abogado defendió con vehemencia a su clienteThe lawyer vigorously defended his client
- 195 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is telling María about his new job search.
- María¿Qué tipo de trabajo buscas, Daniel?What kind of job are you looking for, Daniel?
- DanielQuiero trabajar como abogado en una empresa.I want to work as a lawyer in a company.
- MaríaEso suena muy bien para ti.That sounds very good for you.
- DanielSí, ser abogado es mi gran sueño.Yes, being a lawyer is my great dream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lawyer” translations and entries abogado, letrado, notario, abogada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries letrado, notario, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
