alguacil
“alguacil” means “bailiff” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
bailiff, constable
Also: marshal, sheriff's deputy
📝 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.
dragonfly
📝 In Action
Vimos un alguacil azul volando sobre el estanque.
C2We saw a blue dragonfly flying over the pond.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: alguacil
Question 1 of 2
Which role is the most common modern meaning of 'alguacil'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word has an interesting history, coming from Arabic. It originated from the Arabic term *al-wazīr*, which meant 'the vizier' or 'the minister'—a very high official. Over time, as the role was adopted in Spanish kingdoms, the title was applied to a lower-ranking municipal or court officer.
First recorded: 11th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.