mandatario
“mandatario” means “head of state” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
head of stateAlso: leader, president
📝 In Action
El mandatario dio un discurso sobre la economía.
B1The head of state gave a speech about the economy.
Los mandatarios de la región se reunieron en la cumbre.
B2The regional leaders met at the summit.
El primer mandatario insistió en la necesidad de paz.
C1The president/top leader insisted on the need for peace.
Word Connections
proxyAlso: agent, attorney-in-fact
📝 In Action
El mandatario firmó el contrato en mi nombre.
C1The proxy signed the contract on my behalf.
Actuó como mandatario en la gestión de la herencia.
C1He acted as a representative in managing the inheritance.
Word Connections
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "mandatario" in Spanish:
✏️ 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
🎵 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)
💡 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
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.