legado
/leˈɡado/masculine
The English phrase "legacy" is translated into Spanish as legado.
Legado is a formal term used to describe a legacy, particularly when referring to intangible things like knowledge, ideas or values. It can also refer specifically to a bequest or a gift left in a will. If you want to speak poetically or metaphorically, you might use huella, which literally means "footprint".
Meaning: something inherited from a predecessor, a heritage (noun)
Which one should you use?
While legado can describe a broad legacy such as a reputation, it is also the specific term used for a bequest. For general inheritance or cultural heritage, the word herencia is a common synonym. To describe cultural and historical legacy in a formal context, you can use patrimonio.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, legado is widely used, especially in formal settings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun legado is masculine and is used with masculine articles such as el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/leˈɡado/
Did you know?
- In Spanish law, certain parts of a herencia are 'forced heirships', meaning the law mandates a legacy for children regardless of the will.
- In a diplomatic context, a legado is not a legacy but a 'legation' or a representative sent by a government to a foreign court.
- The word legado shares the same root as the English word 'legate', a person appointed by the Pope to represent him in certain territories.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál será mi legado?What will be my legacy?This sentence is useful for asking about one's legacy using legado.Tatoeba #10127533 by DJ_Saidez, translation #3143306 by deyta
- Este es nuestro legado.This is our legacy.This sentence is useful for stating that something is a legacy using legado.Tatoeba #10127535 by DJ_Saidez, translation #5756824 by CM
- No se trata de dinero o poder. Se trata de mi legado.This isn't about money or power. This is about my legacy.This sentence is useful for clarifying that a topic concerns a legacy rather than money or power using legado.Tatoeba #10127534 by DJ_Saidez, translation #3922803 by Damari
- La herencia cultural de nuestros antepasados es fundamental para la identidad de nuestro país.The cultural legacy of our ancestors is fundamental to our country's identity.
- El legado del famoso escritor ha influenciado a jóvenes talentos en todo el mundo.The legacy of the famous writer has influenced young talents worldwide.
- El patrimonio arquitectónico de esta ciudad es un legado invaluable de nuestra historia.The architectural heritage of this city is an invaluable legacy of our history.
- Su legado intelectual sigue influyendo en la sociedad actual.His/her intellectual legacy continues to influence society today.
- Su huella en este campo del arte es imborrable.His/her footprint in this field of art is indelible.
- La rica herencia literaria de este país es vital para mantener nuestra identidad cultural.The rich literary heritage of this country is vital to maintaining our cultural identity.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are visiting a historical museum.
- LucíaEste edificio es el legado de mi abuelo.This building is my grandfather's legacy.
- MateoEs un legado arquitectónico impresionante, Lucía.It is an impressive architectural legacy, Lucía.
- LucíaQuiero proteger este legado para el futuro.I want to protect this legacy for the future.
- MateoMateo está de acuerdo contigo.Mateo agrees with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “legacy” translations and entries legado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries legado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
