candidatos
kan-dee-DAH-tohs
/kandiˈdatos/
📝 In Action
Hay muchos candidatos para este puesto de trabajo.
A2There are many candidates for this job position.
Los candidatos a la presidencia debaten hoy.
B1The presidential candidates are debating today.
Estamos buscando a los mejores candidatos.
A2We are looking for the best candidates.
💡 Grammar Points
The Mixed Group Rule
Even though this word looks masculine because it ends in '-os,' you use it for a group of only men OR a mixed group of men and women.
Plural Matching
Since 'candidatos' is plural, make sure any words describing them (like 'buenos' or 'muchos') also end in 's'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Aplicantes'
Mistake: “Using 'aplicantes' for job seekers.”
Correction: Use 'candidatos' or 'aspirantes'. While 'aplicantes' is sometimes used due to English influence, 'candidatos' sounds much more natural in Spanish.
⭐ Usage Tips
Broad Usage
In English, we often use 'applicants' for jobs and 'candidates' for politics. In Spanish, 'candidatos' is the go-to word for both!
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: candidatos
Question 1 of 2
If you are interviewing 5 people for a new job, what do you call them in Spanish?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'candidatos' only for politics?
Not at all! It is very common in the business world for job interviews, and even for sports or academic awards.
What is the difference between 'aspirantes' and 'candidatos'?
They are very similar, but 'aspirante' emphasizes the desire or 'hope' of getting the spot, while 'candidato' is more formal and official.