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comisario

koh-mee-SAH-ree-oh/ko.miˈsa.ɾjo/

police commissioner, chief inspector

Also: superintendent
NounmB1
SpainMexico
A high-ranking police officer in a formal blue uniform with prominent gold insignia on the shoulders, standing authoritatively.

📝 In Action

El comisario de policía dio una rueda de prensa sobre el robo.

B1

The police commissioner gave a press conference about the robbery.

Necesitamos la autorización del comisario para entrar en esa zona.

B2

We need the chief inspector's authorization to enter that area.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • comisario de distrito – district commissioner
  • la oficina del comisario – the commissioner's office

curator

Also: organizer
NounmB2neutral/formal
A person wearing smart casual clothes carefully examining and adjusting the placement of a colorful piece of abstract art on a white museum wall.

📝 In Action

El comisario de la bienal de arte tardó dos años en seleccionar las piezas.

B2

The curator of the art biennial took two years to select the pieces.

Hablé con el comisario del evento para pedir más información.

C1

I spoke with the event organizer (curator) to ask for more information.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • comisario de exposiciones – exhibition curator

commissioner

Also: delegate
NounmC1formal
A professional-looking person in a dark suit sitting at a large wooden table, signing an official document with a fountain pen.

📝 In Action

El comisario europeo presentó un nuevo reglamento de protección de datos.

C1

The European Commissioner presented a new data protection regulation.

Actuó como comisario para asegurar la transparencia del proceso.

C2

He acted as commissioner to ensure the transparency of the process.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • comisario político – political commissioner
  • comisario de la ONU – UN commissioner

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: comisario

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'comisario' to refer to someone in the art world?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
comisaria(female commissioner/curator/inspector) — Noun
comisaría(police station) — Noun
comisión(commission/committee/fee) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Late Latin term *commissarius*, which means 'one to whom something is committed' or 'one who is delegated a duty.' It shares roots with 'comisión' (commission) and 'cometer' (to commit or delegate).

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: commissarioFrench: commissaire

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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.