testigo

Testigo is a Spanish noun that designates a person who has observed an event firsthand and can provide testimony about it. The term is used in legal, investigative, journalistic, and everyday contexts to refer to someone who can attest to what happened. In many cases, the identity of a testigo is important for establishing facts or credibility.

In judicial settings, a testigo testifies under oath and may be called to describe what they observed, answer questions, and endure cross-examination. Subtypes commonly referenced in Spanish include the testigo ocular (eyewitness), who directly witnessed events; the testigo pericial (expert witness), who offers specialized knowledge; and the testigo de carácter (character witness), who speaks about a person’s reputation or conduct. The rules governing oaths, credibility, and admissibility vary by jurisdiction but generally emphasize truthfulness and relevance.

Etymology traces testigo to the Latin word testis, meaning witness. The term evolved through Old Spanish into modern Spanish, retaining its core sense of someone who bears witness to an event. Related terms include testimonio (testimony) and atestiguar (to attest or witness), which reflect the broader linguistic family surrounding testimony and verification.

In culture and media, testigo appears in news reporting, literature, and film to indicate firsthand accounts or to emphasize credibility. Phrases such as dar testimonio and ser un testigo are common, illustrating the social and legal weight placed on personal testimony in Spanish-speaking contexts.