suplente
“suplente” means “substitute” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
substitute
Also: reserve, stand-in
📝 In Action
El portero suplente entró en el segundo tiempo.
B1The substitute goalkeeper came in during the second half.
Si el director no puede venir, hablarás con su suplente.
B2If the director cannot come, you will speak with his stand-in.
Ella es la primera suplente en la lista electoral.
C1She is the first substitute on the election list.
alternative
Also: stand-by
📝 In Action
Tenemos una pieza suplente por si la original se rompe.
B2We have a spare part in case the original one breaks.
Buscamos una fecha suplente para el evento por si llueve.
B2We are looking for an alternative date for the event in case it rains.
La bombilla suplente está en el cajón.
B1The spare lightbulb is in the drawer.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: suplente
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the opposite of 'suplente' in a soccer game?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb 'supplere', which means 'to fill up' or 'to complete'. It’s made of 'sub' (from below) and 'plere' (to fill).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'suplente' the same as 'sustituto'?
They are very close. 'Suplente' is often used for official positions or sports players who are ready to play, while 'sustituto' can be anyone or anything used instead of something else.
Can I use 'suplente' for a replacement part for a car?
Yes, it works as an adjective for spare parts, though 'de repuesto' is more common for physical objects.
Does 'suplente' always mean a person?
Usually it refers to a person, but it can describe things (like a backup plan or part) when used as an adjective.