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"Acervo" is a noun which is often translated as "heritage", and "herencia" is a noun which is often translated as "inheritance". Learn more about the difference between "acervo" and "herencia" below.
el acervo(
ah
-
sehr
-
boh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. heritage
La música del gran compositor es la parte más importante del acervo cultural de esta ciudad.The music of the great composer is the most important element of this city's cultural heritage.
2. (legal)
a. undivided estate
James heredó unas tierras, pero forman parte de un acervo y no puede venderlas.James has inherited some farmland, but it is still part of an undivided estate and he can't sell it.
la herencia(
eh
-
rehn
-
syah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (legal)
b. legacy
El magnate donó toda su herencia a obras benéficas.The magnate donated all his legacy to charity.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Quiero dejarle mis joyas a mi sobrina en herencia.I want to bequeath my jewelry to my niece.
Mi padre nos dejó una casa en herencia.We inherited a house from my father.
2. (biology)
a. heredity
La herencia genética es clave en enfermedades raras.Genetic heredity is key in rare diseases.
a. hand-me-downs
Toda esta ropa es herencia de mi hermano.All these clothes are hand-me-downs from my brother.
4. (figurative) (endowment)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
