Significado
Used to express that something is an honor or a special advantage.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, 'Es un privilegio' is often used in the context of 'patrimonio' (heritage). People feel it is a privilege to live near historical monuments or have access to centuries-old traditions. Mexican politeness often involves elevating the other person. Using 'Es un privilegio' is a common way to show 'respeto' to elders or people in high positions. In Argentina, while people can be very informal, in academic and literary circles (like those of Borges), 'Es un privilegio' is used to show intellectual appreciation. Colombian Spanish is known for being exceptionally formal and polite. 'Es un privilegio' is used frequently in business and even in high-end service to make clients feel valued.
The 'Que' Rule
If you follow the phrase with a new subject, you must use 'que' and the subjunctive: 'Es un privilegio que tú *estés* aquí'.
Don't Overdo It
If you say 'es un privilegio' for everything, you will sound insincere or like you are sucking up to people.
Significado
Used to express that something is an honor or a special advantage.
The 'Que' Rule
If you follow the phrase with a new subject, you must use 'que' and the subjunctive: 'Es un privilegio que tú *estés* aquí'.
Don't Overdo It
If you say 'es un privilegio' for everything, you will sound insincere or like you are sucking up to people.
Humility is Key
In Spanish, this phrase is a 'humility marker'. It shows you don't think you are better than the opportunity.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Para mí, ________ un privilegio estar aquí hoy.
The subject is 'estar aquí hoy' (to be here today), which is singular, so we use 'es'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a job interview?
How would you tell the interviewer you are happy to be there?
Option A is formal and grammatically correct. Option B is too informal. Option C and D have incorrect prepositions.
Complete the dialogue between a fan and a famous singer.
Fan: ¡No puedo creer que te estoy conociendo! Singer: Gracias por venir al concierto. Fan: ________.
'Es un privilegio' is the correct masculine form and doesn't require 'de' before the verb.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
1. 'Fue un privilegio trabajar con usted.' 2. 'La educación es un derecho, no un privilegio.' 3. '¡Qué privilegio limpiar los platos!'
The past tense 'fue' indicates a goodbye; the 'derecho' contrast indicates a debate; the exclamation indicates sarcasm.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formality Scale
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosPara mí, ________ un privilegio estar aquí hoy.
The subject is 'estar aquí hoy' (to be here today), which is singular, so we use 'es'.
How would you tell the interviewer you are happy to be there?
Option A is formal and grammatically correct. Option B is too informal. Option C and D have incorrect prepositions.
Fan: ¡No puedo creer que te estoy conociendo! Singer: Gracias por venir al concierto. Fan: ________.
'Es un privilegio' is the correct masculine form and doesn't require 'de' before the verb.
1. 'Fue un privilegio trabajar con usted.' 2. 'La educación es un derecho, no un privilegio.' 3. '¡Qué privilegio limpiar los platos!'
The past tense 'fue' indicates a goodbye; the 'derecho' contrast indicates a debate; the exclamation indicates sarcasm.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
14 perguntasYes, usually. It might sound a bit intense. 'Es un placer' or 'Me encanta estar contigo' is much more natural.
Absolutely. It is a great way to show respect when they give you extra help or an extension. 'Es un privilegio ser su alumno'.
The plural is 'Son privilegios'. For example: 'Tener salud y familia son privilegios'.
The meaning is the same, but Latin Americans might use it slightly more often in polite social formulas, whereas in Spain it's reserved for truly high-level events.
It's grammatically correct but less common than 'Es un privilegio' or 'Para mí es un privilegio'.
It is 'privilegio blanco'.
Yes, especially during a performance review or when receiving a promotion. It shows gratitude.
In 99% of cases as a greeting/phrase, yes. 'Es un privilegio'.
In a social sense, 'desventaja' (disadvantage) or 'marginación' (marginalization). In a legal sense, 'derecho' (right).
Yes! 'Es un privilegio despertar con esta vista' (It's a privilege to wake up to this view).
No, it is a 'j' sound (like the 'h' in 'hat' but stronger).
Yes, it's very common to use it sarcastically when someone asks you to do a chore.
Neither is better; they are sisters. 'Honor' is more about your feeling, 'Privilegio' is about the rarity of the event.
It is a single tap 'r', like the 'tt' in the American English word 'better'.
Frases relacionadas
Es un honor
synonymIt is an honor
Es un placer
similarIt is a pleasure
Tengo la suerte de
similarI am lucky to
Es un derecho
contrastIt is a right
