coronel

ko-ro-NEL/ko.ɾoˈnel/

“coronel” means “colonel” in Spanish (military rank).

colonel

NounmB2

A storybook illustration of a high-ranking military officer, a man with a stern expression, wearing a formal green uniform with prominent gold shoulder insignia and a peaked cap.

📝 In Action

El coronel dio la orden de avanzar.

The colonel gave the order to advance.

Mi abuelo fue coronel en el ejército.

My grandfather was a colonel in the army.

El famoso Coronel Sanders fundó la cadena de restaurantes.

The famous Colonel Sanders founded the restaurant chain.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

ascender a coronel – to be promoted to colonel
el señor coronel – Colonel (a formal way to refer to one)
mi coronel – sir / my colonel (used to address a colonel directly)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "coronel" in Spanish:

colonel→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: coronel

Question 1 of 1

Which phrase correctly says 'a colonel'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

coronela(colonel (female)) — Noun

coronelía(colonelcy (the rank of a colonel)) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

papel fiel miel nivel

📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Italian 'colonnello', meaning 'commander of a column' of soldiers. It traveled into Spanish through the French 'colonel'. Along the way, one of the 'l' sounds changed to an 'r', giving us the modern Spanish word.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: colonnelloFrench: colonelEnglish: colonel

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the feminine version of 'coronel'?

The most common and official way to refer to a female colonel is 'la coronel'. The word 'coronela' also exists and is understood, but using the masculine form with a feminine article ('la') is very frequent for professional titles in Spanish.

Is 'coronel' only used in the military?

Yes, its main meaning is a military rank. You will also see it in historical contexts or as part of famous names, like 'Coronel Sanders' of KFC, a title which is recognized in Spanish-speaking countries.