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A row of diverse people dressed in professional business attire, standing side by side and smiling confidently.

candidatos

kan-dee-DAH-tohs

nounmA2
candidates?people running for office or applying for a job
Also:applicants?people applying for a position or program,nominees?people suggested for an award or honor

πŸ“ In Action

Hay muchos candidatos para este puesto de trabajo.

A2

There are many candidates for this job position.

Los candidatos a la presidencia debaten hoy.

B1

The presidential candidates are debating today.

Estamos buscando a los mejores candidatos.

A2

We are looking for the best candidates.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aspirantes (aspirants/hopefuls)
  • postulantes (applicants)

Antonyms

  • empleadores (employers)
  • electores (voters)

Common Collocations

  • selecciΓ³n de candidatos – selection of candidates
  • candidatos potenciales – potential candidates
  • lista de candidatos – list of candidates

πŸ’‘ 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

πŸ’‘ Quick Quiz: candidatos

Question 1 of 2

If you are interviewing 5 people for a new job, what do you call them in Spanish?

πŸ“š More Resources

Word Family

candidato(candidate (male)) - noun

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.