abogado (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ a.βoˈɣa.ðo /

Translation Options into English

• Lawyer
• Attorney

Meaning and Usage

The term "abogado" refers to a professional who is qualified to practice law and represent clients in legal matters. In Spanish-speaking countries, an abogado may handle various cases such as criminal defense, civil disputes, family law, and corporate law.

This word is used frequently in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions related to legal advice, court trials, or legal documentation. It can also appear in formal and informal conversations when talking about legal rights or representation.

Example Sentences

1. El abogado defendió a su cliente en el juicio.
   The lawyer defended his client in the trial.

2. Voy a consultar a un abogado sobre mi situación legal.
   I am going to consult a lawyer about my legal situation.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "abogado" appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish:

1. Abogado del diablo
   Devil's advocate
   Ejemplo: En la discusión, él siempre se pone como abogado del diablo para provocar un debate más profundo.
   In the discussion, he always plays devil's advocate to provoke a deeper debate.

2. Abogado de oficio
   Public defender
   Ejemplo: Si no puedes pagar un abogado, se te asignará un abogado de oficio.
   If you cannot afford a lawyer, a public defender will be assigned to you.

3. Más vale abogado que pastor
   Better to have a lawyer than a pastor (implying it's better to have legal support than moral guidance in a difficult situation)
   Ejemplo: Cuando tienes un problema legal, más vale abogado que pastor.
   When you have a legal problem, it’s better to have a lawyer than a pastor.

Etymology

The word "abogado" comes from the Latin "advocatus," which means "one called to aid" or "advocate." The prefix "ad-" means "to" or "toward," and "vocare" means "to call." This etymological background highlights the role of a lawyer as someone who is called upon to assist in legal matters.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Consejero legal (legal advisor) - Asesor (adviser) - Procurador (procurator)

Antonyms: - Demandante (plaintiff) - someone who brings a case against another in a court of law. - Acusador (accuser) - a person who accuses someone of wrongdoing.

This comprehensive overview encapsulates the usage and significance of the term "abogado" in the Spanish language.