Inklingo
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superiores

/soo-peh-ree-OH-rehs/

higher

A large red block sitting on the highest step of a simple three-step platform, visually representing a higher level or rank compared to a smaller blue block resting on the bottom step.

This image shows a block at a 'higher' level, illustrating the concept of 'superiores' meaning 'higher' in rank or position.

superiores(adjective)

m/f (plural)B1

higher

?

level or rank

,

superior

?

quality or ability

Also:

upper

?

physical location, e.g., limbs

,

advanced

?

education

📝 In Action

Necesitas completar los estudios superiores para conseguir ese trabajo.

B1

You need to complete the higher studies (university/college) to get that job.

Las fuerzas superiores dominaron la batalla.

B2

The superior forces dominated the battle.

Los pisos superiores de este edificio son muy caros.

B1

The upper floors of this building are very expensive.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mejores (better)
  • más altos (higher)

Antonyms

  • inferiores (lower / inferior)
  • peores (worse)

Common Collocations

  • niveles superiores – higher levels
  • estudios superiores – higher education

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement (Plural)

Since 'superiores' ends in -es, it is used to describe multiple masculine or feminine things (e.g., 'niveles superiores' or 'fuerzas superiores').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Singular/Plural

Mistake: "Using 'superior' when describing multiple items (e.g., 'Estudios superior')."

Correction: Always check the noun: 'Estudios superiores' (plural noun requires plural adjective).

⭐ Usage Tips

Educational Context

In Latin America and Spain, 'estudios superiores' is the standard way to refer to university or college education.

A central, stylized figure holding a clipboard and wearing a distinct uniform, giving directions to two smaller figures who are listening intently.

These figures represent 'superiors'—people in charge or bosses—the second meaning of 'superiores'.

superiores(noun)

m/f (plural)B2

superiors

?

bosses, people in charge

,

higher-ups

?

management or command structure

Also:

elders

?

religious or monastic context

📝 In Action

Debemos informar a nuestros superiores sobre el cambio de planes.

B2

We must inform our superiors (bosses/higher-ups) about the change in plans.

Los superiores del monasterio tomaron la decisión final.

C1

The superiors of the monastery made the final decision.

Ella siempre obedece a sus superiores en el trabajo.

B2

She always obeys her bosses at work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • jefes (bosses)
  • directivos (directors / management)

Antonyms

  • subordinados (subordinates)
  • empleados (employees)

Common Collocations

  • informar a los superiores – to inform the superiors
  • órdenes de los superiores – orders from the superiors

💡 Grammar Points

The Noun Form

When used as a noun, 'superiores' acts like 'the bosses' or 'the higher-ups,' meaning it refers directly to people, often preceded by 'los' or 'mis/tus'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

This noun is generally used in formal settings. In informal settings, you would usually say 'los jefes' (the bosses).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: superiores

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'superiores' as a noun (referring to people)?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'superiores' look the same whether it describes men or women?

This is because the base adjective 'superior' ends in -r. Adjectives that end in -r often have the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. When made plural, it just adds '-es' for both (e.g., 'fuerzas superiores' and 'niveles superiores').

Is 'superiores' always a good thing?

Usually, yes, but it can sometimes sound very formal, especially when referring to people ('superiors'). It simply means 'higher' or 'better' in rank, quality, or position, which isn't always positive depending on the context of power dynamics.