Inklingo

decano

deh-KAH-noh/deˈkano/

dean

Also: head
NounmB2
A distinguished person in academic regalia standing in front of a grand university building.

📝 In Action

El decano de la facultad de leyes entregó los diplomas.

B2

The dean of the law school handed out the diplomas.

Necesitas la firma del decano para cambiar de curso.

B2

You need the dean's signature to change courses.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • decano de la facultaddean of the faculty
  • junta de decanosboard of deans

senior member

Also: doyen
NounmC1formal
An elderly person sitting in a large armchair, surrounded by younger people listening intently.

📝 In Action

Es el decano de los periodistas deportivos en el país.

C1

He is the senior member of the sports journalists in the country.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • el decano de la prensathe longest-serving member of the press

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "decano" in Spanish:

deandoyenheadsenior member

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: decano

Question 1 of 1

If someone is the 'decano' of a law firm, what does that mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
decanato(deanship)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin 'decanus', which originally meant a leader of ten people (like a squad leader in the army). Over time, it moved from the military to the church, and finally to universities.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: deanFrench: doyenItalian: decano

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'decano' the same as a 'rector'?

No. A 'rector' is the head of the entire university, while a 'decano' is only the head of one specific department or faculty.

Can I use 'decano' for a woman?

Usually, you would change it to 'decana' when referring to a woman.