dominio público
/doˌminjo ˈpubliko/masculine
The English phrase 'public domain' is translated into Spanish as dominio público.
dominio público refers to the realm of intellectual property which is not or no longer protected by copyrights or patents.
Meaning: realm of intellectual property which is not or no longer protected by copyrights or patents (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dominio (domain/possession) and público (public).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most countries of Hispano-America, such as Mexico, Argentina and Chile, dominio público is the preferred term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun dominio is masculine, so the definite article used is el. When used as a noun phrase, público functions as an adjective modifying dominio.
How do you pronounce it?
/doˌminjo ˈpubliko/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, dominio público does not just apply to copyright, but also refers to physical state-owned lands and natural resources used by the general population.
- In Spanish, dominio shares the same Latin root as the English word 'dominate', as both derive from the Latin word for 'master of a house'.
- The word dominio is used in Spanish to describe a website's domain name, which can create a double meaning when talking about digital content in the dominio público.
Examples in context
- La artista cedió su obra al dominio público.The artist released her works into the public domain.This sentence demonstrates how an artist might release works into the dominio público.Tatoeba #11043436 by DJ_Saidez, translation #11042996 by shekitten
- El libro de Mark Twain ya está en el dominio público.Mark Twain's book is already in the public domain.
- La pintura de Picasso es un bien de dominio público.Picasso's painting is a public domain asset.
- La música de ese artista es antigua y sin derechos de autor.That artist's music is old and without copyright.
- Esa melodía ya pertenece al dominio público.That melody already belongs to the public domain.
- Muchos libros clásicos están en el dominio público.Many classic books are in the public domain.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a research project in a library.
- DanielNo puedo usar esta música en mi video.I can't use this music in my video.
- María¿Por qué no buscas algo en el dominio público?Why don't you look for something in the public domain?
- DanielTienes razón, así evitaré problemas de derechos.You're right, that way I'll avoid copyright issues.
- MaríaExacto, es la mejor opción para Daniel.Exactly, it is the best option for Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “public domain” translations and entries dominio público, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dominio, público, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
