linaje
/liˈnaxe/masculine
The English word "lineage" is translated into Spanish as linaje. If unsure, use linaje. Wiktionary also lists estirpe and prosapia.
Meaning: descent (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| linaje | /liˈnaxe/ | masculine |
| estirpe | /esˈtiɾpe/ | feminine |
| prosapia | /pɾoˈsapja/ | feminine |
| alcurnia | /alˈkuɾnja/ | feminine |
| abolengo | /aboˈlenɡo/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
linaje is the most direct and neutral translation for "lineage" or "bloodline". estirpe is used to emphasize a specific breed, stock or a distinguished line of people, typically in a literary or poetic context. alcurnia is used specifically when referring to high social status or noble ancestry. abolengo refers to inherited traditions or a long-standing family heritage. For a more formal way to express the concept of lineage, you can also use the phrase línea de ascendencia. If you wish to say "ancestry" formally, use ascendencia.
How does it change in a sentence?
linaje and abolengo are masculine nouns. estirpe, prosapia and alcurnia are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/liˈnaxe/
Did you know?
- The word alcurnia actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word for a 'kunya', which is a traditional way of expressing a person's identity through a nickname or patronymic.
- The word prosapia is a 'learned borrowing' from Latin, making it a more sophisticated and formal choice than the common linaje.
Examples in context
- El de la boina sofisticada es en realidad un aristócrata de rancio abolengo.The one with the sophisticated beret is actually an aristocrat of ancient lineage.This sentence uses abolengo to describe an aristocrat's ancient lineage.Tatoeba #10282776 by Seael, translation #10915760 by Luornu
- Mi línea de ascendencia se remonta a varios siglos en España.My lineage dates back several centuries in Spain.
- Tengo una rica ascendencia española e italiana.I have a rich Spanish and Italian ancestry.
- Mis antepasados provienen de diferentes partes de Latinoamérica.My ancestors come from different parts of Latin America.
- Voy a investigar mi línea familiar, quiero saber más sobre mis raíces.I am going to investigate my family line, I want to know more about my roots.
- Desde pequeño, siempre me interesaron mis raíces y mi historia familiar.Since I was little, I have always been interested in my roots and my family history.
- Su linaje es muy antiguo y respetado.His lineage is very old and respected.
- Ella busca rastrear su linaje familiar.She is looking to trace her family lineage.
Example conversation
Two historians are discussing a historical document in a library.
- SofíaEste documento confirma su linaje real.This document confirms his royal lineage.
- MateoSofía, ¿crees que sea cierto?Sofía, do you think it is true?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, los registros son claros.Yes, Mateo, the records are clear.
- MateoEs un descubrimiento increíble.It is an incredible discovery.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lineage” translations and entries linaje, estirpe, prosapia, alcurnia, abolengo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alcurnia, estirpe, linaje, prosapia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
