A person dressed in a simple, official suit, representing a mayor, standing on a small pedestal and proudly holding a large, antique-looking key, symbolizing the city's authority.

alcalde

ahl-KAHL-deh

nounmA2

mayor?head of a city or town government

Also:burgomaster?historical or specific European context

📝 In Action

El alcalde anunció que se construirá un nuevo parque.

The mayor announced that a new park will be built.

Necesitamos hablar con el alcalde sobre los problemas de tráfico.

We need to speak with the mayor about the traffic problems.

Todos los ciudadanos votaron por su nuevo alcalde.

All citizens voted for their new mayor.

Word Connections

Synonyms

edil (councilor (often used formally for mayor))
regidor (administrator / council member)

Common Collocations

alcalde de la ciudad – city mayor
elegir al alcalde – to elect the mayor

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Shift for People

Even though 'alcalde' is a masculine word, it refers to the job. If the person holding the job is a woman, you use the related feminine word: 'la alcaldesa'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "Using 'el alcaldesa' for a female mayor."

Correction: Always use 'la alcaldesa' for a woman, just like 'la presidenta' or 'la abogada'.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Al-' Prefix

The 'al-' at the beginning of this word is a big clue! It comes from Arabic, and many Spanish words that start this way relate to administration, like 'aduana' (customs) or 'almacén' (warehouse).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: alcalde

Question 1 of 1

If María is the head of the city government, what should you call her?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

alcaldesa(female mayor) - noun

alcaldía(mayoralty / mayor's office) - noun

municipal(municipal) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'alcalde' and 'alcaldía'?

The 'alcalde' is the person (the mayor), while the 'alcaldía' refers to the position itself (the mayorship) or the physical building where the mayor's office is located (the city hall).