Inklingo
← Dictionary

diplomático

dee-plo-MAH-tee-koh/diploˈmatiko/

“diplomático” means “diplomat” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

diplomat

Also: envoy
NounmB1
A person in a formal suit shaking hands with another person in a formal suit against a background of two different national flags.

📝 In Action

El diplomático trabajó duro para evitar el conflicto.

B1

The diplomat worked hard to avoid the conflict.

Mi tío es diplomático y vive en la embajada.

A2

My uncle is a diplomat and lives in the embassy.

Varios diplomáticos se reunieron para firmar el tratado.

B2

Several diplomats met to sign the treaty.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • cuerpo diplomático – diplomatic corps (the group of diplomats in a country)
  • misión diplomática – diplomatic mission

tactful, diplomatic

Also: polite
A person carefully handing a delicate flower to a friend with a gentle smile.

📝 In Action

Tienes que ser diplomático cuando hables con tu jefe.

B1

You have to be tactful when you speak with your boss.

Fue una respuesta muy diplomática para no herir sentimientos.

B2

It was a very diplomatic answer to avoid hurting feelings.

Las relaciones diplomáticas entre los dos países han mejorado.

B2

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have improved.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • respuesta diplomática – diplomatic answer
  • valija diplomática – diplomatic pouch (secure mail)
  • inmunidad diplomática – diplomatic immunity

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "diplomático" in Spanish:

diplomat→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: diplomático

Question 1 of 3

If someone is very careful not to make others angry during a disagreement, they are being...

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
diplomacia(diplomacy) — Noun
diplomáticamente(diplomatically) — Adverb
diplomado(diploma holder / certified) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
automáticoproblemáticosimpático
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'diploma', which meant a folded document or license. In Latin, it referred to documents given by magistrates. Eventually, it came to describe those who handled these official state papers.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: diplomaticFrench: diplomatiqueItalian: diplomatico

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'diplomático' always mean someone working for the government?

Not always. While it often refers to a professional diplomat, it is very frequently used as an adjective to describe anyone who is tactful or polite in tricky situations.

Is there a difference between 'político' and 'diplomático'?

Yes. A 'político' is a politician who runs for office or works in government policy. A 'diplomático' is specifically someone who represents their country to other nations, or someone who is very tactful.

How do I pronounce the accent?

The accent on the 'á' means you should emphasize that syllable: dee-plo-MAH-tee-koh. Your voice should go slightly higher or stronger on the 'MAH'.