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mandatario

man-dah-TAH-ryoh/man.da.ˈta.ɾjo/

“mandatario” means “head of state” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

head of state

Also: leader, president
NounmB2formal
A political leader standing confidently behind a wooden podium on a stage with flags in the background.

📝 In Action

El mandatario dio un discurso sobre la economía.

B1

The head of state gave a speech about the economy.

Los mandatarios de la región se reunieron en la cumbre.

B2

The regional leaders met at the summit.

El primer mandatario insistió en la necesidad de paz.

C1

The president/top leader insisted on the need for peace.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • gobernante (ruler)
  • líder (leader)
  • jefe de estado (head of state)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • primer mandatario – the president (highest leader)
  • exmandatario – former leader

proxy

Also: agent, attorney-in-fact
NounmC1formal
One person handing a signed document to another person to act on their behalf.

📝 In Action

El mandatario firmó el contrato en mi nombre.

C1

The proxy signed the contract on my behalf.

Actuó como mandatario en la gestión de la herencia.

C1

He acted as a representative in managing the inheritance.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • apoderado (proxy/power of attorney)
  • representante (representative)

Common Collocations

  • contrato de mandato – agency agreement / mandate contract

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "mandatario" in Spanish:

agent→attorney-in-fact→leader→president→proxy→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: mandatario

Question 1 of 3

If you are reading a newspaper headline about a meeting between the leaders of France and Germany, which word are you likely to see?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
mandar(to command / to send) — Verb
mandato(mandate / term of office) — Noun
mandataria(female head of state) — Noun
mandante(the person who gives an order or power) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Latin 'mandatarius', which comes from 'mandatum' (a command or commission). It describes someone who has been 'trusted with a command'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: mandatoryFrench: mandataire

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'mandatario' the same as 'presidente'?

Almost. 'Mandatario' is a broader, more formal term for a head of state. All presidents are 'mandatarios', but the word can also describe other high leaders like prime ministers.

Can I use 'mandatario' for my boss?

No. Even though it comes from the verb 'mandar' (to command), it is reserved for politics and legal representation. For a work boss, use 'jefe' or 'patrón'.

What is a 'primer mandatario'?

This is a common way in Spanish-speaking countries to refer specifically to the President of the Republic.