Inklingo
← Dictionary

candidato

kahn-dee-DAH-toh/kan.diˈda.to/

“candidato” means “candidate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

candidate

Also: nominee, applicant
NounmA2
A smiling person in professional clothing stands behind a wooden podium, waving to an unseen audience, symbolizing a candidate running for office.

📝 In Action

El candidato presidencial prometió bajar los impuestos.

A2

The presidential candidate promised to lower taxes.

Fui uno de los candidatos seleccionados para la entrevista final.

B1

I was one of the candidates selected for the final interview.

Buscan un candidato joven para modernizar la empresa.

A2

They are looking for a young candidate to modernize the company.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aspirante (aspirant)
  • postulante (applicant)

Common Collocations

  • candidato ideal – ideal candidate
  • candidato a la alcaldía – mayoral candidate

suitable

Also: likely choice, contender
An open hand holding a brightly colored, perfectly fitted glove, symbolizing suitability and appropriateness.

📝 In Action

Este plato es un candidato perfecto para la cena de Nochebuena.

B1

This dish is a perfect candidate for Christmas Eve dinner.

La película es una seria candidata a ganar el Óscar este año.

B2

The movie is a serious contender (or candidate) to win the Oscar this year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apto (suitable)
  • elegible (eligible)

Antonyms

  • inapto (unsuitable)

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: candidato

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'candidato' in its primary, political/job-seeking meaning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
candidata(female candidate) — Noun
candidatura(candidacy) — Noun
postular(to nominate/apply) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
datogato
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin word *candidatus*, which literally meant 'clothed in white.' In ancient Rome, people running for public office wore a special, bright white toga (called a *toga candida*) to symbolize their honesty and purity. This is why the word now means 'candidate.'

First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

English: candidateItalian: candidatoPortuguese: candidato

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I refer to a female candidate?

You must change the ending to 'candidata' (feminine form). For example, 'La candidata ganó las elecciones' (The female candidate won the elections).

Does 'candidato' only refer to political figures?

No, while it's very common in politics, it applies to anyone seeking a position, like a job, an award, or even describing an object or idea that is a strong choice for a specific purpose.