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administrativo

ad-mee-nees-tra-TEE-boh/aðministɾaˈtiβo/

administrative

Also: clerical, management
A neat office desk with a stapler, a folder, and a pen holder.

📝 In Action

El proceso administrativo es un poco lento en este país.

A2

The administrative process is a bit slow in this country.

Necesito ayuda con las tareas administrativas de la oficina.

B1

I need help with the administrative tasks of the office.

Hubo un error administrativo y mi vuelo fue cancelado.

B2

There was an administrative error and my flight was canceled.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • gestor (managerial/management)
  • burocrático (bureaucratic)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • personal administrativo – administrative staff
  • silencio administrativo – administrative silence (when a gov agency doesn't reply)
  • trámites administrativos – administrative procedures/paperwork

administrative assistant

Also: clerk, office worker
NounmA2
Latin America
A professional person smiling and holding a clipboard in an office setting.

📝 In Action

El administrativo me pidió mi documento de identidad.

A2

The administrative assistant asked me for my ID.

Trabajo como administrativo en un hospital.

A2

I work as an office clerk in a hospital.

Él es el administrativo encargado de las nóminas.

B1

He is the clerk in charge of payroll.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • oficinista (office worker)
  • auxiliar (assistant)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • auxiliar administrativo – junior administrative assistant
  • administrativo de banca – bank clerk

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: administrativo

Question 1 of 3

If you are doing paperwork for your office, what kind of tasks are you doing?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
administración(administration/management) — Noun
administrar(to manage/administer) — Verb
administrador(manager/administrator) — Noun
administrativamente(administratively) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Latin 'administrare', which combines 'ad' (to) and 'ministrare' (to serve). It originally meant someone who served a purpose or helped manage things for others.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: administrativeFrench: administratifItalian: amministrativo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'administrativo' for a woman?

Generally, no. You should change the ending to 'administrativa' when referring to a woman or a feminine object.

Is 'administrativo' a formal word?

It is neutral. It's the standard word used in professional environments, government offices, and daily business conversations.

Does it always relate to offices?

Mostly, yes. It refers to the 'management' side of things rather than the creative or physical production side.