tutor legal
/tutoɾ leɡal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'legal guardian' is translated into Spanish as tutor legal.
The term tutor legal refers to a person appointed to take care of and make decisions on behalf of a minor. Note that while 'tutor' in English usually refers to an academic instructor, in Spanish, tutor refers to a legal guardian.
Which one should you use?
representante legal is an alternative term that can refer to either a legal guardian or a legal representative of a company or organization.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, you may use curador legal instead of tutor legal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes from tutor to tutora to indicate a female legal guardian, resulting in tutora legal.
How do you pronounce it?
/tutoɾ leɡal/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of tutor is related to the verb 'tutari', which means 'to protect' or 'to keep safe' rather than 'to teach'.
- While tutor and curador both refer to guardians, a curador historically manages the assets and property of a person, whereas a tutor manages the person themselves.
- The word leal, which is a linguistic relative of legal, means 'loyal' in English. This connection highlights the historical link between following the law and being a faithful or loyal subject.
Examples in context
- El tribunal designó a Pedro como tutor legal de los niños.The court appointed Pedro as the legal guardian of the children.
- Marta es la representante legal de su sobrina después de que sus padres fallecieron.Marta is the legal guardian of her niece after her parents passed away.
- El tutor legal debe firmar los documentos.The legal guardian must sign the documents.
- Él actúa como su tutor legal.He acts as her legal guardian.
- Necesitamos firmar los papeles del tutor legal.We need to sign the legal guardian's papers.
- El tutor legal debe autorizar el viaje.The legal guardian must authorize the trip.
Example conversation
At a school office during an enrollment meeting.
- María¿Quién es su tutor legal?Who is her legal guardian?
- JavierSu tío es su tutor legal.Her uncle is her legal guardian.
- MaríaEntiendo, ¿él puede firmar este formulario?I see, can he sign this form?
- JavierSí, él tiene toda la autoridad.Yes, he has all the authority.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries legal, tutor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
