legítimo
/leˈxitimo/
The English word 'legitimate' can be translated into Spanish as legítimo. Wiktionary also lists genuino.
Meaning: genuine (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| legítimo | /leˈxitimo/ |
| genuino | /xeˈnwino/ |
Both legítimo and genuino translate to 'genuine', but they are used in different contexts. While legítimo often refers to legal or rightful authority (like an heir or owner), genuino is more commonly used to describe the authenticity of a material or a feeling.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective legítimo must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use legítimo for masculine singular nouns, legítima for feminine singular nouns, legítimos for masculine plural nouns and legítimas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/leˈxitimo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word genuino shares its Latin root with the word for 'knee', genu, referring to a child born in the lap.
- The Spanish word legítimo is a linguistic relative of the word lindo, which means 'pretty' or 'cute'.
- In Spanish, the term defensa legítima is used to describe the legal concept of self-defense.
Examples in context
- Somos los dueños legítimos del castillo.We're the legitimate owners of the castle.This sentence shows how to use legítimo to describe rightful ownership.Tatoeba #7935852 by Seael, translation #10967312 by Luornu
- ¿Cuál príncipe es el legítimo sucesor al trono?Which prince is the legitimate heir to the throne?This sentence demonstrates using legítimo in the context of a rightful heir.Tatoeba #5875543 by albrusgher, translation #37965 by CM
- Tú sabes bien que tus argumentos no son legítimos.You know well that your arguments aren't legitimate.This sentence illustrates the use of legítimo to describe the validity of arguments.Tatoeba #7935854 by Seael, translation #10839424 by ella695
- El documento es legítimo y cuenta con todas las firmas requeridas.The document is legitimate and contains all the required signatures.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are looking at an antique watch.
- MateoMira este reloj, parece muy antiguo.Look at this watch, it looks very old.
- LucíaSí, pero ¿es un artículo legítimo?Yes, but is it a genuine article?
- MateoEl vendedor dice que es legítimo.The seller says it is genuine.
- LucíaNecesitamos un certificado para estar seguros.We need a certificate to be sure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “legitimate” translations and entries legítimo, genuino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries genuino, legítimo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
