ministro
“ministro” means “minister” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
minister, secretary (of state)
Also: cabinet member
📝 In Action
El ministro de Sanidad anunció nuevas medidas sanitarias.
B1The Minister of Health announced new health measures.
El presidente se reunió con todos los ministros para discutir el presupuesto.
B2The president met with all the ministers to discuss the budget.
Mi tío trabajó como ministro de Hacienda hace muchos años.
B1My uncle worked as the Secretary of the Treasury many years ago.
minister
Also: clergyman
📝 In Action
El ministro ofició la ceremonia de bautismo el domingo pasado.
B2The minister officiated the baptism ceremony last Sunday.
La comunidad agradeció al ministro por su apoyo espiritual.
C1The community thanked the minister for his spiritual support.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ministro
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation is NOT appropriate for 'ministro' in the political context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *minister*, which originally meant 'servant,' 'attendant,' or 'one who serves.' This root highlights that both government ministers and religious ministers are expected to serve the public or their congregation.
First recorded: Middle Ages (in its governmental sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'female minister' in Spanish?
You use 'la ministra'. Since it's a noun that refers to a person, you change the ending from -o to -a to match the gender: 'La ministra de Igualdad' (The Minister of Equality).
Is 'ministro' the same as 'secretario'?
They often refer to the same job! In Spain and some parts of Latin America, the head of a government department is a 'ministro'. In Mexico and the US system, that person is usually a 'secretario' (Secretary of State/Defense, etc.). Context is key, but the rank is the same.