privilegio
/pɾibiˈlexjo/masculine
The English word privilege translates to the Spanish noun privilegio.
privilegio refers to a particular benefit, advantage or favor. While it is the most direct translation for privilege, you can also use beneficio interchangeably when you want to convey the idea of unearned advantages.
Meaning: particular benefit, advantage, or favor (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, a privilegio is often contrasted with a derecho, which refers to a universal right or a legal entitlement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term cheto/a is commonly used to describe someone who is privileged or behaves in a snobbish manner.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word privilegio is a masculine noun. Its plural form is privilegios.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾibiˈlexjo/
When do people say it?
To describe someone who is living a privileged life, you can use the colloquial expression vivir en una burbuja, which means living in a bubble.
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the term fresa is used to describe a privileged or snobbish person. It literally translates to 'strawberry'.
- The word privilegio is built from the Latin roots for 'private' and 'law', literally meaning a 'law made for a private person'.
- Depending on the context, privilegio can be used as a polite substitute for 'honor'. Telling someone ha sido un privilegio conocerlo is a common way to show extreme respect.
Examples in context
- No tuve el privilegio de conocer a mis abuelos.I didn't have the privilege of knowing my grandparents.This sentence shows how to express not having the privilege of knowing someone using privilegio.Tatoeba #1563767 by hayastan, translation #9329107 by Nylez
- El amor verdadero es el privilegio de los afortunados que no tienen nada que perder.True love is the privilege of those lucky enough to have nothing to lose.This sentence describes true love as a privilege using privilegio.Tatoeba #1457198 by Shishir, translation #9472011 by DJ_Saidez
- La libertad ha existido siempre, pero unas veces como privilegio de algunos y otras como derecho de todos.Liberty has always existed, but sometimes as a privilege for some and other times as a right for all.This sentence contrasts liberty as a privilege for some versus a right for all using privilegio.Tatoeba #8820599 by arh, translation #9322437 by DJ_Saidez
- Tener privilegios significa tener ciertas ventajas en la sociedad.Having privileges means having certain advantages in society.
- Algunos grupos tienen más beneficios que otros debido a su posición social.Some groups have more privileges than others due to their social position.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about a company benefit during lunch.
- Sofía¿Sabes que el director tiene un coche de empresa?Do you know the director has a company car?
- JavierSí, es un privilegio de su cargo.Yes, it is a privilege of his position.
- SofíaMe gustaría tener ese privilegio algún día.I would like to have that privilege someday.
- JavierSeguro que lo conseguirás, Sofía.I am sure you will get it, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “privilege” translations and entries privilegio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries privilegio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
