Inklingo
← Dictionary

conductor

/kon-dook-TOR/

driver

A person wearing a professional uniform sitting in the driver's seat of a large vehicle, hands gripping the steering wheel, focused on the road ahead.

Conductor meaning 'driver' (vehicle operator).

conductor(noun)

mA1

driver

?

vehicle operator

Also:

operator

?

train or bus

📝 In Action

El conductor del autobús fue muy amable.

A1

The bus driver was very kind.

Necesito mi licencia de conductor para alquilar el coche.

A2

I need my driver's license to rent the car.

El conductor tuvo que frenar de golpe para evitar un accidente.

B1

The driver had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • chofer (chauffeur/driver (often professional))
  • automovilista (motorist)

Common Collocations

  • conductor de taxi – taxi driver
  • conductor designado – designated driver

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Change

The feminine form is 'la conductora' (the female driver). Use 'conductor' for men and 'conductora' for women.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Conductor' and 'Chofer'

Mistake: "Using 'chofer' for a general, non-professional driver."

Correction: 'Conductor' is the general term for anyone driving. 'Chofer' usually implies a professional driver (taxi, chauffeur, etc.).

⭐ Usage Tips

Using the Verb

The related verb is 'conducir' (to drive/to lead). A conductor is someone who 'conduce'.

A well-dressed person standing on a small wooden platform, holding a white baton high in the air, actively directing an orchestra.

Conductor meaning 'conductor' (music/orchestra director).

conductor(noun)

mB1

conductor

?

music/orchestra director

Also:

director

?

leader of a group

📝 In Action

El famoso conductor de la orquesta sinfónica saludó al público.

B1

The famous conductor of the symphony orchestra greeted the audience.

Ser un buen conductor requiere mucha pasión y oído musical.

B2

Being a good conductor requires a lot of passion and a musical ear.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • conductor de orquesta – orchestra conductor

💡 Grammar Points

Shared Term

Notice that the same word describes someone driving a car and someone leading an orchestra. This is because the core verb 'conducir' means 'to lead' or 'to guide'.

A close-up view of a thick, shiny, coiled copper wire, emphasizing its role as a material that conducts heat or electricity.

Conductor meaning 'conductor' (material that transmits heat or electricity).

conductor(noun)

mB2

conductor

?

material that transmits heat or electricity

Also:

medium

?

transmission medium

📝 In Action

El cobre es un excelente conductor de electricidad.

B2

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Los metales suelen ser buenos conductores térmicos.

C1

Metals tend to be good thermal conductors.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • transmisor (transmitter)

Antonyms

  • aislante (insulator)

Common Collocations

  • conductor eléctrico – electrical conductor
  • material conductor – conducting material

💡 Grammar Points

Technical Usage

In this technical sense, 'conductor' refers to the substance itself, which allows energy to pass through, linking back to the idea of 'leading' or 'channeling'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: conductor

Question 1 of 2

Which of the following is NOT a good synonym for 'conductor' in the context of driving?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

conducir(to drive, to lead, to conduct) - verb
la conducción(driving, conducting, management) - noun
conductora(female driver/conductor) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'chofer' the same as 'conductor'?

'Conductor' is the general, neutral term for anyone who drives. 'Chofer' (chauffeur) often specifically refers to a professional driver, like a taxi driver or someone hired to drive you.

How do I say 'female driver'?

You change the ending to 'conductora'. The word 'conductor' ends in 'r', so the feminine version adds an 'a': 'la conductora'.