tributo
nounCEFR B2
What does “tributo” mean in English?
tribute — an act or gift showing respect and admiration; historically a payment exacted by a ruler
tribute — an act or gift showing respect and admiration; historically a payment exacted by a ruler (un tributo a; rendir tributo; tributo fiscal)
Example sentences
El concierto fue un emocionante tributo a los músicos que contribuyeron al nacimiento del jazz en Nueva Orleans.
The concert was an exciting tribute to the musicians who contributed to the birth of jazz in New Orleans.
Las comunidades medievales debían pagar tributos al señor feudal a cambio de protección militar.
Medieval communities had to pay tribute to the feudal lord in exchange for military protection.
Su película es un sentido tributo a todos los inmigrantes que reconstruyeron el país tras la guerra.
Her film is a heartfelt tribute to all the immigrants who rebuilt the country after the war.
How to use it
El tributo (noun, masculine) means 'tribute' — (1) an act of respect and admiration for someone, (2) historically a payment exacted by rulers, (3) tax (formal/legal: tributos). Core B2 collocations: rendir tributo a; un tributo a; concierto tributo (tribute concert); pagar tributos; tributo de sangre (heavy human cost). The adjective is tributario. Distinguish from homenaje (tribute/homage — purely honour) and impuesto (tax — modern).
Common mistake
Tributo vs. homenaje: both can mean tribute, but homenaje is more purely celebratory; tributo can also carry the weight of a sacrifice or obligatory payment. 'Tribute band' = banda tributo. In tax law, los tributos = taxes/levies.