justo

Justo is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese as an adjective meaning fair, just, or rightful. It can also carry nuances of correctness or propriety in certain phrases. The word traces back to the Latin iustus, and is closely related to Romance-language equivalents such as Italian giusto and, in other contexts, to the English word justice.

In everyday Spanish, the adjective appears in phrases such as un trato justo (a fair deal) and hacer justicia (to administer justice). It can also form expressions indicating timeliness or exactness, such as justo a tiempo (just in time) or algo que es justo (something that is right or proper). In Portuguese, justo shares similar meanings: fair or rightful, and can describe a correct decision or a precise measurement, e.g., um acordo justo (a fair agreement).

Justo is a masculine given name in Spanish-speaking communities, frequently chosen for its virtue-associated meaning. It is sometimes used as a surname in rare cases. Notable people with the name include Justo Sierra O'Reilly, a Mexican writer and statesman, and Justo Gallego Martinez, a Spanish monk known for his long-running construction project. The name also appears in religious contexts, with saints named Justo (Justus) in Catholic tradition.