"Mayor de edad" is a phrase in Spanish commonly used as a noun.
/mayor de eˈðað/
"Mayor de edad" refers to an individual who has reached the age at which they are legally recognized as an adult, typically 18 years old in many countries, although this can vary based on local laws. The phrase is used in legal contexts, social discussions surrounding maturity and rights, and in situations involving responsibilities such as voting, entering contracts, or being accountable for one’s actions.
In Spanish, it is frequently used in both oral and written contexts. It is a term often found in legal documents, educational materials, and discussions regarding youth and maturity.
In many countries, a person becomes an adult at 18 years old.
Para firmar el contrato, necesitas ser mayor de edad.
To sign the contract, you need to be of legal age.
Los derechos de los menores cambian una vez que son mayores de edad.
While "mayor de edad" itself is straightforward, it is often used in the context of idioms that reflect societal norms regarding adulthood and responsibilities. Here are related idiomatic expressions and their uses:
Being an adult means being of legal age with all the rights.
Al cumplir dieciocho, ya eres mayor de edad y debes tomar tus propias decisiones.
Upon turning eighteen, you are of legal age and must make your own decisions.
Al ser mayor de edad, ahora eres responsable de tus acciones.
As an adult, you are now responsible for your actions.
No importa que seas mayor de edad; todavía necesito tu firma.
It doesn’t matter that you are of legal age; I still need your signature.
Ella se siente orgullosa de ser mayor de edad y poder votar por primera vez.
The phrase "mayor de edad" is derived from the Latin "maior," meaning greater, and "aetas," meaning age. The term evolved into a phrase that defines a specific legal age of adulthood. "Mayor" has cognates in several languages, reflecting the common Indo-European roots, while "edad" has its roots in the Vulgar Latin "aetatem."
In conclusion, "mayor de edad" is a crucial term within legal and social contexts in Spanish-speaking societies, marking the transition into adulthood and independence.