encargado
“encargado” means “manager” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
manager, person in charge
Also: caretaker, supervisor
📝 In Action
El encargado del almacén revisó el inventario.
A2The warehouse manager checked the inventory.
¿Podría hablar con el encargado de servicio al cliente?
B1Could I speak with the person in charge of customer service?
Mi hermano es el encargado de mantenimiento de ese edificio.
B2My brother is the maintenance supervisor for that building.
in charge, responsible
Also: commissioned
📝 In Action
Él está encargado de organizar la fiesta de fin de año.
B1He is in charge of organizing the end-of-year party.
La secretaria está encargada de responder las llamadas.
B1The secretary is responsible for answering the calls.
Fuimos encargados de proteger la documentación secreta.
C1We were commissioned to protect the secret documentation.
entrusted, commissioned
📝 In Action
La misión ha sido encargada a un equipo especial.
B2The mission has been entrusted to a special team.
Una vez encargada la tarea, no hay vuelta atrás.
C1Once the task is commissioned, there is no turning back.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "encargado" in Spanish:
caretaker→commissioned→entrusted→in charge→manager→responsible→supervisor→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encargado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'encargado' as a noun (a person's job title)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the verb 'encargar,' which is formed by combining the prefix 'en-' (in or into) and 'carga' (load or burden). The original meaning was literally 'to put a burden on someone,' which evolved into 'to give a responsibility or task.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
What is the difference between 'encargado' and 'responsable'?
'Encargado' usually refers to someone who has a specific, assigned duty or a job title (like 'manager'). 'Responsable' is broader and means generally 'responsible' or 'reliable' in a moral or abstract sense, though they can often be used interchangeably when describing a duty.
How do I form the feminine version of 'encargado'?
Since 'encargado' ends in 'o', you simply change the 'o' to an 'a' to make it feminine: 'la encargada'.