ministerio
/mee-nees-TEH-ryoh/
ministry
Showing the government department aspect of ministerio (ministry).
📝 In Action
El Ministerio de Sanidad anunció nuevas regulaciones.
A2The Ministry of Health announced new regulations.
Trabajamos en el ministerio que se encarga de la educación pública.
B1We work in the department that is in charge of public education.
La reunión se llevó a cabo en la sede del ministerio.
B1The meeting was held at the ministry's headquarters.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'ministerio' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "La ministerio"
Correction: El ministerio. Even though many words ending in '-ia' are feminine, this one is masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
In Spanish, the names of ministries are usually written in lowercase unless they are at the beginning of a sentence: 'el ministerio de defensa'.
Illustrating ministerio as a period of service or duty (office).
📝 In Action
El político concluyó su ministerio después de cinco años.
B2The politician concluded his term of office after five years.
Durante su ministerio, se lograron grandes avances sociales.
B2During his tenure/time in office, great social advances were achieved.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
This meaning is more common in formal writing, political analysis, or historical accounts, focusing on the role itself rather than the physical building.
Representing the religious service or vocation aspect of ministerio (ministry).
📝 In Action
Decidió dedicar su vida al ministerio y ayudar a la comunidad.
B2He decided to dedicate his life to the ministry and help the community.
Su ministerio se extendió por más de cuarenta años en la diócesis.
C1His ministry lasted for over forty years in the diocese.
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
When used in a religious context, the meaning shifts from 'government office' to 'spiritual role.' The surrounding words (like 'iglesia' or 'pastor') will clarify the meaning.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ministerio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ministerio' in the sense of a religious vocation?
📚 More Resources
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.