comisario
/koh-mee-SAH-ree-oh/
police commissioner
A police commissioner (comisario) is a high-ranking police officer responsible for law enforcement.
comisario(noun)
police commissioner
?high-ranking police officer
,chief inspector
?senior police rank
superintendent
?police management
📝 In Action
El comisario de policía dio una rueda de prensa sobre el robo.
B1The police commissioner gave a press conference about the robbery.
Necesitamos la autorización del comisario para entrar en esa zona.
B2We need the chief inspector's authorization to enter that area.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
Since 'comisario' is a job title, remember to use the feminine form, 'comisaria', when referring to a woman, and adjust the articles and adjectives accordingly (e.g., 'la comisaria', 'una comisaria nueva').
⭐ Usage Tips
Rank Varies
The exact rank 'comisario' refers to changes slightly depending on the country, but it always indicates a high-ranking officer in charge of a precinct or a major division.
As a curator (comisario), they organize and manage the display of items in an exhibition.
📝 In Action
El comisario de la bienal de arte tardó dos años en seleccionar las piezas.
B2The curator of the art biennial took two years to select the pieces.
Hablé con el comisario del evento para pedir más información.
C1I spoke with the event organizer (curator) to ask for more information.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When you see 'comisario' used with words like 'arte' (art), 'exposición' (exhibition), or 'museo' (museum), it almost always means 'curator,' not 'police chief.'
The word comisario can also refer to an administrative or political commissioner.
comisario(noun)
commissioner
?political/administrative representative
delegate
?official representative
📝 In Action
El comisario europeo presentó un nuevo reglamento de protección de datos.
C1The European Commissioner presented a new data protection regulation.
Actuó como comisario para asegurar la transparencia del proceso.
C2He acted as commissioner to ensure the transparency of the process.
⭐ Usage Tips
Official Titles
In this context, 'comisario' usually refers to a high-level appointed position within a large, often international, governing body, like the European Union.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comisario
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'comisario' to refer to someone in the art world?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la forma femenina de comisario?
The feminine form is 'comisaria'. You must use this when referring to a woman holding the position, whether she is a police chief, a curator, or a political representative.
Is 'comisario' a higher rank than 'inspector' in the police?
Yes, in most Spanish-speaking countries, 'comisario' is a senior rank, typically overseeing several inspectors or managing a large police district.