leyenda
/leˈʝenda/feminine
The English word legend translates to Spanish as leyenda.
The Spanish word leyenda is versatile and covers two distinct English meanings: it can refer to a mythical story (a legend) and the explanatory key on a map.
Meaning: key to the symbols and color codes on a map (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
leyenda is a feminine noun. In the singular, it is preceded by the feminine article la to form la leyenda. To make the word plural, use leyendas. Additionally, if you wish to describe something as mythical or legendary, you can use the adjectives mítico or mítica.
How do you pronounce it?
/leˈʝenda/
Did you know?
- The word leyenda is etymologically linked to the act of reading. It stems from the Latin legenda, which literally means 'things to be read'.
- While English often uses 'legend' and 'myth' interchangeably, Spanish speakers typically reserve mito for stories about gods and the world's origins, while leyenda is for folk tales.
- In Spanish, leyenda is used to describe the caption under a photograph or a figure in a textbook, extending far beyond map keys.
Examples in context
- Tom es una leyenda.Tom is a legend.This sentence uses leyenda to describe a person as a legend.Tatoeba #2107080 by Shishir, translation #1414972 by Spamster
- Cuéntame una leyenda local.Tell me a local legend.This sentence uses leyenda to refer to a mythical story.Tatoeba #1610660 by Shishir, translation #9779806 by DJ_Saidez
- Este hombre es una leyenda.This man is a legend.This sentence uses leyenda to describe a man as a legend.Tatoeba #1619711 by Shishir, translation #1619615 by Spamster
- La leyenda del rey Arturo es conocida en todo el mundo.The legend of King Arthur is known worldwide.
- La mitología griega está repleta de fascinantes leyendas.Greek mythology is filled with fascinating legends.
- El Cid es considerado un héroe legendario de la historia de España.El Cid is considered a legendary hero in Spanish history.
- La heroína Atalanta es protagonista de varias leyendas griegas.The heroine Atalanta is the protagonist of several Greek legends.
- Ese bar es mítico, siempre está lleno de gente.That bar is legendary, it's always crowded.
- En la cultura maya, los relatos de los dioses son fundamentales.In Mayan culture, the legends of the gods are fundamental.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are hiking and looking at a paper map.
- Elena¿Dónde está la leyenda del mapa?Where is the map's legend?
- JavierEstá en la esquina inferior derecha, Elena.It is in the bottom right corner, Elena.
- ElenaAh, ya veo los símbolos ahora.Ah, I see the symbols now.
- JavierPerfecto, sigamos nuestro camino.Perfect, let's continue our way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “legend” translations and entries leyenda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leyenda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
