patrimonio
nounCEFR B2
What does “patrimonio” mean in English?
heritage, assets
heritage, assets (cultural/historical inheritance or financial assets; patrimonio histórico/cultural; patrimonio neto)
Example sentences
La protección del patrimonio histórico de las ciudades exige equilibrar conservación y necesidades urbanísticas actuales.
Protecting the historical heritage of cities requires balancing conservation with current urban development needs.
La Alhambra fue declarada patrimonio de la humanidad por la Unesco en 1984.
The Alhambra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
El patrimonio neto de la empresa se redujo a la mitad tras los litigios relacionados con la patente.
The company's net assets fell by half following litigation related to the patent.
How to use it
El patrimonio (noun, masculine) has two core B2 senses: (1) 'heritage' — cultural, historical, or natural inheritance (patrimonio histórico/cultural/natural); (2) 'estate/assets' — the financial assets owned by a person or institution (patrimonio neto, patrimonio familiar). The UNESCO sense is patrimonio de la humanidad (World Heritage). Related: heredar (to inherit), la herencia (inheritance). Distinguish from propiedad (property — individual ownership) and herencia (genetic or material inheritance from a person).
Common mistake
Patrimonio covers both 'cultural heritage' and 'financial estate/assets' — context is essential. 'World Heritage Site' = patrimonio de la humanidad (not *sitio del patrimonio). Don't confuse with herencia (inheritance received from a specific person) — patrimonio is broader.