Inklingo
← Dictionary

ministerio

mee-nees-TEH-ryoh/minisˈteɾjo/

ministry

Also: department
NounmA2
A large, imposing, official government building with pillars and a national flag flying above the entrance.

📝 In Action

El Ministerio de Sanidad anunció nuevas regulaciones.

A2

The Ministry of Health announced new regulations.

Trabajamos en el ministerio que se encarga de la educación pública.

B1

We work in the department that is in charge of public education.

La reunión se llevó a cabo en la sede del ministerio.

B1

The meeting was held at the ministry's headquarters.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Ministerio de Hacienda – Ministry of Finance

office

Also: tenure
NounmB1formal
A formal, official-looking document or scroll tied with a ribbon, resting on a pedestal, symbolizing an official appointment or duty.

📝 In Action

El político concluyó su ministerio después de cinco años.

B2

The politician concluded his term of office after five years.

Durante su ministerio, se lograron grandes avances sociales.

B2

During his tenure/time in office, great social advances were achieved.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cargo (position)
  • mandato (term (of office))

ministry

Also: priesthood
NounmB2formal
An open, large, heavy book (representing sacred text) placed on a wooden pulpit, symbolizing religious service.

📝 In Action

Decidió dedicar su vida al ministerio y ayudar a la comunidad.

B2

He decided to dedicate his life to the ministry and help the community.

Su ministerio se extendió por más de cuarenta años en la diócesis.

C1

His ministry lasted for over forty years in the diocese.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sacerdocio (priesthood)
  • vocación (vocation)

Common Collocations

  • ejercer el ministerio – to exercise the ministry (religious)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ministerio" in Spanish:

department→ministry→office→priesthood→tenure→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ministerio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'ministerio' in the sense of a religious vocation?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ministro(minister (male)) — Noun
ministra(minister (female)) — Noun
ministerial(ministerial) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
misteriocriterio
📚 Etymology▼

Comes directly from the Latin word 'ministerium,' meaning 'service,' 'attendance,' or 'office.' It is built on the root 'minister,' which originally meant 'attendant' or 'servant,' but evolved to mean a high official who serves the state or a religious leader who serves God.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: ministryFrench: ministèrePortuguese: ministério

💡 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

¿Es 'ministerio' la misma palabra que 'ministro'?

No. 'Ministro' (or 'ministra') is the person—the high official or the religious leader. 'Ministerio' is the office, the department, or the job itself that the person holds.

How do I know if 'ministerio' refers to government or religion?

Check the surrounding context. If you see words like 'presidente,' 'ley,' or 'economía,' it's government. If you see words like 'iglesia,' 'pastor,' or 'sacerdocio,' it's religious.