candidato
/kahn-dee-DAH-toh/
candidate
When used as a noun, 'candidato' means a candidate, like a person running for office.
candidato(noun)
candidate
?person running for office or a job
nominee
?formally proposed person
,applicant
?person applying for a position
📝 In Action
El candidato presidencial prometió bajar los impuestos.
A2The presidential candidate promised to lower taxes.
Fui uno de los candidatos seleccionados para la entrevista final.
B1I was one of the candidates selected for the final interview.
Buscan un candidato joven para modernizar la empresa.
A2They are looking for a young candidate to modernize the company.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Matching
Since 'candidato' refers to a person, you must change the ending if referring to a woman: 'el candidato' (the male candidate) becomes 'la candidata' (the female candidate).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article
Mistake: "La candidato tiene buenas ideas."
Correction: El candidato tiene buenas ideas. (The article 'el' must match the masculine noun 'candidato'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'a' before the position
When talking about the specific office someone is running for, always use the preposition 'a': 'candidato al premio' (candidate for the award) or 'candidato a presidente' (candidate for president).
As an adjective, 'candidato' translates to suitable or highly appropriate, like a glove that is the perfect fit.
candidato(adjective)
suitable
?highly appropriate
likely choice
?a strong option
,contender
?a strong possibility
📝 In Action
Este plato es un candidato perfecto para la cena de Nochebuena.
B1This dish is a perfect candidate for Christmas Eve dinner.
La película es una seria candidata a ganar el Óscar este año.
B2The movie is a serious contender (or candidate) to win the Oscar this year.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
When 'candidato' describes a thing, it functions like an adjective and must match the thing's gender and number. For example, 'el plato es candidato' (masculine singular) but 'las películas son candidatas' (feminine plural).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: candidato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'candidato' in its primary, political/job-seeking meaning?
📚 More Resources
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.