seguridad social
/seɡuɾidad soθjal/from spelling rules
In Spanish, social security is translated as seguridad social.
Meaning: benefits (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun seguridad (security/safety) and the adjective social (social).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Panama and Costa Rica, the expression Caja del Seguro Social is used specifically to refer to the Social Security Administration.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, abstract nouns like seguridad social are almost always preceded by a definite article (la) when referring to the concept or the system in general.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɡuɾidad soθjal/
Did you know?
- The word seguridad comes from the Latin 'securitas', which is built from 'se' (without) and 'cura' (care or anxiety). It literally means the state of being 'without care' or free from worry.
- In several Central American countries, the entity providing these benefits is not called a 'security' but a 'Caja', which literally translates to 'box' or 'drawer'.
- While seguridad social is the general term, if you are looking for your actual benefits or pension in many Latin American countries, you might ask for your jubilación instead.
Examples in context
- ¿Seguridad social? ¿Están de broma?Social security? Who do they think they're kidding.This sentence shows an informal reaction to the topic of seguridad social.Tatoeba #1037303 by Ruben, translation #265358 by shekitten
- ¿Estás inscrito en el Seguro Social?Are you enrolled in Social Security?
- El Estado garantiza la Previsión Social de sus ciudadanos.The State guarantees social security for its citizens.
- Mi abuelo recibió su jubilación después de décadas de trabajo.My grandfather received his social security benefits after decades of work.
- Debes registrarte para recibir los beneficios de la seguridad social.You must register to receive social security benefits.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing retirement plans.
- LucíaTengo que revisar mis beneficios de la seguridad social.I have to check my social security benefits.
- JavierEs buena idea hacerlo ahora, Lucía.It is a good idea to do it now, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Tú ya tienes todo listo, Javier?Do you have everything ready, Javier?
- JavierSí, ya organicé mis trámites el año pasado.Yes, I already organized my paperwork last year.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry seguridad social, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries seguridad, social, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
