Legar vs. dejar
The Spanish words 'legar' and 'dejar' can both be translated into English as 'to leave', especially while referring to the inheritance process, but their use and implications are slightly different.
Legar
'Legar' generally refers to the act of transmitting property or rights to heirs by will or testament. It's specifically used in the legal context.
Mi abuelo me legó su casa.
(My grandfather bequeathed his house to me.)
Ella legó todas sus joyas a su hija.
(She bequeathed all her jewelry to her daughter.)
Dejar
'Dejar' has a broader application, it can be used in various contexts, not strictly legal. This word implies more about leaving something behind physically or in a metaphorical sense.
Dejé mis llaves en la casa.
(I left my keys at home.)
Él dejó todo su dinero a la caridad cuando murió.
(He left all his money to charity when he died.)
Dejaremos nuestro viejo coche a nuestro hijo cuando nos mudemos.
(We will leave our old car to our son when we move.)
Summary
'Legar' is primarily used to denote inheritance through a legal will, and often it's not used in normal conversations but rather, in legal documents or formal speech. On the contrary, 'dejar' is more common and can refer both the act of leaving something behind - physically or metaphorically - as well as bequeathing in an inheritance sense.