alguacil
/ahl-gwah-SEEL/
bailiff
The primary meaning of alguacil is a bailiff, a court officer who maintains order.
alguacil(noun)
bailiff
?court officer who maintains order
,constable
?local law enforcement officer
marshal
?in certain governmental or military settings
,sheriff's deputy
?in US-influenced contexts
📝 In Action
El alguacil de la corte leyó los cargos en voz alta.
B2The court bailiff read the charges aloud.
Tuvimos que llamar al alguacil local para resolver la disputa vecinal.
B1We had to call the local constable to resolve the neighborhood dispute.
El alguacil se encargó de entregar la citación judicial.
C1The officer was in charge of delivering the court summons.
💡 Grammar Points
Gendered Nouns
Since 'alguacil' is a noun referring to a person, you use the masculine article 'el' before it. However, if the person is female, you might hear 'la alguacil' or 'la alguacila' depending on the region, though 'el alguacil' is traditionally used for both.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with Police
Mistake: "Using 'alguacil' to mean 'any police officer.'"
Correction: 'Alguacil' usually refers to a specific type of officer, often related to courts or local/historical jurisdiction. Use 'policía' for a general police officer.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
In historical novels or older texts, 'alguacil' might refer to a higher-ranking official or someone with broad local authority, similar to a mayor or governor's deputy.
In some regions, alguacil is an archaic or regional term for a dragonfly.
📝 In Action
Vimos un alguacil azul volando sobre el estanque.
C2We saw a blue dragonfly flying over the pond.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use the Common Word
For 'dragonfly,' always use the common word 'libélula' or the regional 'caballito del diablo.' Using 'alguacil' will likely confuse native speakers, who will think you mean a court official.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: alguacil
Question 1 of 2
Which role is the most common modern meaning of 'alguacil'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'alguacil' the same as 'policía'?
No. 'Policía' is the general term for a police officer. 'Alguacil' refers to a specific official, often linked to the judicial system (like a bailiff) or a very local, municipal authority (like a constable). They have different, more specialized duties than a general police officer.
Is 'alguacila' a correct feminine form?
While 'el alguacil' is traditionally used for both men and women, in modern Spanish, you may see 'la alguacila' or 'la alguacil' used when referring to a female officer, reflecting a trend toward explicit gender marking in job titles.