comandante
“comandante” means “commander” in Spanish (military or official title).
commander, major
Also: chief, officer in command
📝 In Action
El comandante ordenó a sus tropas que se prepararan.
B1The commander ordered his troops to prepare.
La comandante de la policía revisó el perímetro de seguridad.
B2The police commander (female) checked the security perimeter.
Para ascender a comandante, se necesita mucha experiencia.
B2To be promoted to major/commander, a lot of experience is needed.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: comandante
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly refers to a woman who is the head of a military base?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the Spanish verb *comandar* (to command), which traces its roots back to Late Latin *commandare*. It literally means 'the one who commands or gives orders.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century (in similar forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comandante' the highest rank in the military?
'Comandante' is a high rank, often equivalent to a Major or Lieutenant Commander, but it is typically intermediate. There are generally several higher ranks above it, such as General or Colonel, depending on the country's system.
Can 'comandante' be used outside the military or police?
Yes, occasionally. While its official use is for military/police, sometimes people use it figuratively to refer to the 'chief' or 'leader' of a group or operation, like the lead pilot of a commercial flight.