privado
private
adjective pree-BAH-doh Less Common
Origin: From Latin privatus, 'withdrawn from public life'.
Also means
private (military rank)
Usage Note
Privado contrasts with público (public) in contexts like empresa privada (private company) or propiedad privada (private property). As a noun, un privado can mean a private soldier or, in older usage, a royal favourite. The verb privar means 'to deprive' — a related but distinct meaning that can trip learners up.
Examples
"Este es un asunto privado."
Natural Translation
This is a private matter.
Literal Translation
This is a matter private

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