justo
/ˈxusto/
The Spanish word for righteous is justo.
justo is used to describe someone or something that is morally justified. The noun form related to being righteous or just is justicia.
Meaning: justified morally (adj)
Which one should you use?
While justo can mean 'righteous' in a moral sense, it is more commonly used in everyday Spanish to mean 'fair' or 'just' (as in a fair price or a fair decision).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the slang term guay is used to describe something or someone as cool, great or righteous.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use justa for feminine nouns. The adjective takes the form justos when modifying masculine plural nouns or groups of mixed gender. The adjective takes the form justas when modifying feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxusto/
Did you know?
- The word justo can describe a piece of clothing that is 'tight-fitting', which has nothing to do with morality or fairness.
- While justo describes a righteous person, it is also the standard word for 'exact' or 'precise' in many Spanish-speaking contexts. You might say someone arrived justo a tiempo to mean they arrived 'exactly on time'.
- The English word 'just' shares a common ancestor with the Spanish justo through the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂yew-.
Examples in context
- El veredicto del tribunal fue justo y equitativo.The court's verdict was just and fair.
- Es importante que los líderes sean personas rectas y honestas.It's crucial for leaders to be upright and honest individuals.
- La sociedad necesita más ciudadanos honrados y respetuosos.Society needs more honorable and respectful citizens.
- Tus ideas siempre son muy chidas, me encanta discutir contigo.Your ideas are always really cool, I love discussing things with you.
- Él siempre intenta ser un hombre justo.He always tries to be a righteous man.
- Fue un juicio justo y transparente.It was a righteous and transparent judgment.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a legal verdict.
- MaríaEl juez tomó una decisión justa.The judge made a righteous decision.
- DanielSí, Daniel cree que es lo correcto.Yes, Daniel believes it is the right thing.
- María¿Crees que el proceso fue justo?Do you think the process was righteous?
- DanielCreo que sí, fue muy equilibrado.I think so, it was very balanced.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry justo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries justo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
