How to Say "administrative assistant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “administrative assistant” is “administrativo” — use 'administrativo' for someone who handles general office tasks and paperwork within an organization.
administrativo
ad-mee-nees-tra-TEE-bohaðministɾaˈtiβo
Examples
El administrativo se encargó de archivar todos los informes mensuales.
The administrative assistant was in charge of filing all the monthly reports.
El administrativo me pidió mi documento de identidad.
The administrative assistant asked me for my ID.
Trabajo como administrativo en un hospital.
I work as an office clerk in a hospital.
Él es el administrativo encargado de las nóminas.
He is the clerk in charge of payroll.
Describing a Man
When using this as a naming word for a person, 'administrativo' specifically refers to a man. For a woman, you would use 'administrativa'.
Using 'Administrador' by mistake
Mistake: “El administrador me dio los papeles.”
Correction: El administrativo me dio los papeles.
secretario
se-kreh-TAH-ryosekɾeˈtaɾjo
Examples
Mi secretario personal gestiona mi agenda y mis llamadas.
My personal secretary manages my calendar and my calls.
El secretario organizó todos los documentos para la reunión de hoy.
The secretary organized all the documents for today's meeting.
Necesitamos hablar con el secretario de la facultad sobre las notas.
We need to speak with the department secretary about the grades.
Gender Change
Since 'secretario' is a person, it changes gender. If the person is a woman, you must say 'la secretaria' (which is a separate entry).
Confusing Roles
Mistake: “Using 'secretario' to mean 'a secret' (el secreto).”
Correction: Remember 'secretario' is the person who keeps the records; 'secreto' is the hidden information itself.
Administrativo vs. Secretario
Related Translations
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