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protocolo

proh-toh-KOH-lohpɾotoˈkolo

“protocolo” means “protocol” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

protocol, etiquette

Also: rules of conduct
NounmB1
A high quality storybook illustration showing two formal figures, a man and a woman, standing symmetrically on a red carpet, performing a highly structured and formal handshake, emphasizing strict adherence to official etiquette.

📝 In Action

El embajador siguió el protocolo al pie de la letra durante la cena real.

B2

The ambassador followed the protocol to the letter during the royal dinner.

¿Conoces el protocolo para saludar a un presidente?

B1

Do you know the proper etiquette for greeting a president?

El error causó un problema diplomático porque rompieron el protocolo.

B1

The mistake caused a diplomatic problem because they broke protocol.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • romper el protocolo – to break protocol
  • saltarse el protocolo – to skip/ignore protocol

procedure, protocol

Also: guidelines
NounmB2formal
A high quality storybook illustration showing three distinct, sequential panels arranged horizontally. The panels visually depict a simple, detailed procedure, such as making a cup of tea: boiling water, adding a teabag to a cup, and finally stirring the finished tea.

📝 In Action

El médico explicó el protocolo de tratamiento para la nueva enfermedad.

B2

The doctor explained the treatment protocol (procedure) for the new disease.

Debemos seguir el protocolo de seguridad antes de entrar al laboratorio.

B2

We must follow the safety protocol (procedure) before entering the laboratory.

El protocolo de internet (IP) permite la comunicación entre computadoras.

C1

The internet protocol (IP) allows communication between computers.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • protocolo de emergencia – emergency protocol
  • protocolo de investigación – research protocol

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "protocolo" in Spanish:

etiquette→guidelines→procedure→protocol→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: protocolo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'protocolo' in the sense of a scientific or technical plan?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
protocolario(protocolary / formal) — Adjective
protocolizar(to formalize / to record officially) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
solopoloídolo
📚 Etymology▼

It comes from the Late Latin word *protocollum*, which itself came from the ancient Greek *prōtokollon*. This Greek word literally meant 'the first sheet glued,' referring to the first sheet of a papyrus scroll where the table of contents or summary was written. This connection to the official 'first record' led to its modern meaning of official rules and procedures.

First recorded: 15th century (Spanish context)

Cognates (Related words)

English: protocolFrench: protocoleItalian: protocollo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'protocolo' always used in formal situations?

Yes, 'protocolo' almost always implies a degree of seriousness or formality. Whether you are talking about diplomatic etiquette or a scientific procedure, it means following a precise, established set of rules, not just casual guidelines.

How do I know if 'protocolo' means etiquette or procedure?

Look at the context! If it involves behavior, greetings, or official ceremonies (e.g., 'protocolo diplomático'), it means etiquette. If it involves medicine, science, or technology (e.g., 'protocolo de seguridad'), it means a step-by-step plan or procedure.