poderes
/po-DEH-res/
powers
Representing the official capacity or authority associated with 'poderes' (powers).
poderes(noun)
powers
?authority, official capacity
,jurisdiction
?area of control
control
?political sense
,dominion
?formal, historical
📝 In Action
Los tres poderes del Estado son el ejecutivo, el legislativo y el judicial.
B2The three branches (powers) of the State are the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.
El presidente tiene amplios poderes para tomar decisiones rápidas.
B1The president has ample powers to make quick decisions.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
Remember that 'poderes' is the plural form of 'poder' (power/authority). It is always masculine and requires masculine plural articles (los, unos).
⭐ Usage Tips
Political Context
This meaning of 'poderes' is most often used when discussing government, law, and formal institutions.
Illustrating 'poderes' as extraordinary abilities or superpowers.
poderes(noun)
superpowers
?extraordinary abilities
,abilities
?magical or special skills
magic
?when referring to magical abilities generally
📝 In Action
El villano quería robarle sus poderes al héroe.
A2The villain wanted to steal the hero's powers.
Ella descubrió que tenía poderes para mover objetos con la mente.
B1She discovered she had abilities to move objects with her mind.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If you hear 'poderes' used in a story or movie, especially with words like 'magia' (magic) or 'héroe' (hero), it almost certainly refers to superpowers.
Visualizing 'poderes' in the context of legal authorization or power of attorney.
poderes(noun)
power of attorney
?legal authorization
,credentials
?documents proving authority
proxy
?someone acting on your behalf
,mandate
?official instruction/authority
📝 In Action
Necesitamos los poderes notariales para completar la venta de la propiedad.
C1We need the notarized power of attorney to complete the sale of the property.
El abogado presentó sus poderes ante el juez.
B2The lawyer presented his credentials (or authorization) before the judge.
💡 Grammar Points
Legal Phrase
When used in a legal context, 'poderes' often appears with adjectives like 'notariales' (notarized) or 'legales' (legal) to specify the type of official authorization.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Documents
If you are dealing with contracts, lawyers, or official government paperwork, 'poderes' means the document that gives someone else the right to act in your name.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: poderes
Question 1 of 1
In which sentence does 'poderes' refer to legal authorization rather than ability or government control?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'poderes' related to the verb 'poder' (to be able to)?
Yes, absolutely! 'Poderes' is the plural form of the noun 'poder' (power), which shares the exact same root as the verb 'poder.' Both words are about having capability, strength, or authority.
How do I know if 'poderes' means 'superpowers' or 'authority'?
The context is key. If you are talking about government, law, or politics, it means 'authority.' If you are talking about fiction, magic, or extraordinary skills, it means 'superpowers.' Look for words like 'presidente' (president) vs. 'superhéroe' (superhero).