riqueza
nounCEFR B2High frequency
What does “riqueza” mean in English?
1.wealth, riches — an abundance of valuable resources or material possessions
wealth, riches — an abundance of valuable resources or material possessions (la concentración de riqueza; riqueza natural/cultural)
2.wealth, richness — abundance of material wealth; or abstract richness
wealth, richness — abundance of material wealth; or abstract richness ('riqueza cultural/lingüística'); both senses active
Example sentences
La concentración de la riqueza en manos de unos pocos es incompatible con los principios de justicia distributiva.
The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is incompatible with the principles of distributive justice.
La riqueza lingüística del español se debe en parte a sus múltiples influencias históricas y geográficas.
The linguistic richness of Spanish is due in part to its multiple historical and geographical influences.
El país cuenta con una enorme riqueza natural que no ha sabido traducir en desarrollo humano equitativo.
The country has enormous natural wealth that it has not managed to translate into equitable human development.
How to use it
La riqueza (noun, feminine) means 'wealth, riches, richness' — material prosperity, or abundant quality. Core B2 collocations: la concentración de riqueza; riqueza natural/cultural/lingüística; distribución de la riqueza; acumular riqueza; la riqueza de + noun. The adjective is rico/a. Distinguish from fortuna (fortune — a specific amount or luck), prosperidad (prosperity — collective wellbeing), and patrimonio (heritage/estate).
Common mistake
Riqueza has both material (wealth) and qualitative (richness) senses. 'Rich' = rico/a. 'Get-rich-quick' = hacerse rico rápidamente. 'Richness of colour/flavour' = riqueza de color/sabor. Don't confuse with ingresos (income — what you earn regularly).