Spanish Conversation · Level 18
90 words
Spanish word
tribunal
Pronunciation
IPA/tɾiβuˈnal/
Meaning
- masculine nouncourt
Example
El tribunal escuchó al testigo.
The court heard the witness.
More examples
El tribunal dictó una sentencia.
The court issued a ruling.
Core concept
A formal institution where judges hear and decide civil and criminal cases.
Common phrases
ir al tribunal
go to court
el tribunal supremo
the supreme court
sentencia del tribunal
court ruling
Similar words
juzgado: Local court that handles civil and criminal cases and issues rulings, usually by one judge.
corte: Higher-level court that decides important appeals and sets legal precedent.
audiencia: Court hearing or session in which a panel of judges listens to evidence and arguments.
sala: Physical courtroom or chamber where trials and hearings are held.
Definition in Spanish
Institución o sala destinada a la administración de justicia donde se juzgan causas civiles o penales.
Word origin
From Latin tribunalis 'of a tribune', originally linked to tribunus and later applied to the official seat or body that adjudicates disputes.
Usage tips
- Spanish often uses tribunal for formal, multi-judge courts, while juzgado names a single-judge court and sala refers to the physical courtroom.