autoridad
/au-to-ri-DAD/
authority
Autoridad can mean the power or right to give orders.
autoridad(noun)
authority
?the power or right to give orders
,power
?the right to enforce rules
jurisdiction
?area of control
📝 In Action
El director tiene la autoridad de aprobar el presupuesto.
A2The director has the authority to approve the budget.
No tienes autoridad para decirme qué hacer.
B1You don't have the power/right to tell me what to do.
La ley le da autoridad al policía en ese momento.
B1The law gives the police officer authority at that moment.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -ad are feminine (like 'amistad' or 'ciudad'), 'autoridad' is a great reminder that you must always use the feminine articles: 'la autoridad', 'una autoridad'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "El autoridad (Incorrect)"
Correction: La autoridad (Correct). Remember that -dad endings usually signal a feminine noun.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This word is often used in legal, political, or professional settings when discussing chains of command or specific rights.
When plural, las autoridades refers to official bodies like the police or government.
autoridad(noun)
the authorities
?police, government, or official body
,expert
?a person whose knowledge is highly respected
official
?a person holding a position of power
📝 In Action
Llamamos a las autoridades después del accidente.
B1We called the authorities (the police/officials) after the accident.
Ella es considerada una autoridad mundial en física cuántica.
B2She is considered a world authority/expert on quantum physics.
La autoridad municipal decidió cerrar el parque.
B2The municipal authority (the city officials) decided to close the park.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular vs. Plural
When talking about the police or government officials, Spanish often uses the plural form: 'las autoridades' (the authorities). However, when referring to one expert, the singular 'una autoridad' is correct.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'autoridad' to mean 'the police'
Mistake: "Llamamos la policía (Correct, but less formal)."
Correction: Llamamos a las autoridades (More formal and encompassing). Use 'las autoridades' when referring to the official bodies collectively.
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Experts
In Spanish, you can say 'una autoridad en...' to mean 'an expert in...' This is a very respectful way to describe someone with deep knowledge.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: autoridad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'autoridad' to mean 'a respected expert' rather than 'power'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'autoridad' feminine even though it doesn't end in -a?
'Autoridad' is feminine (la autoridad) because it follows a common Spanish pattern where nouns ending in -dad, -tad, -tud, -ción, -sión, and -ez are almost always feminine. It's a pattern you can rely on!
How do I say 'the authorities' (like the police) in Spanish?
You should use the plural form: 'las autoridades'. For example, 'Debemos cooperar con las autoridades' (We must cooperate with the authorities).