Inklingo

How to Say "advocate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “advocate” is “abogado” — use 'abogado' when referring to a professional lawyer who is also a supporter of a specific cause or movement, often in a formal or legal context..

abogado🔊B2

Use 'abogado' when referring to a professional lawyer who is also a supporter of a specific cause or movement, often in a formal or legal context.

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defensor🔊B1

Use 'defensor' for anyone who actively supports or defends a cause, idea, or person, without necessarily being a legal professional.

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defender🔊B2

Use 'defender' when you want to express the action of actively supporting or speaking out in favor of an idea, cause, or person.

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embajador🔊B1

Use 'embajador' when someone officially represents or promotes a cause, brand, or movement, much like a brand ambassador.

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profeta🔊B2

Use 'profeta' figuratively to describe someone seen as a visionary or a strong proponent who promotes a future-oriented cause or movement.

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English → Spanish

abogado

/ah-boh-GAH-doh//a.βoˈɣa.ðo/

nounB2formal
Use 'abogado' when referring to a professional lawyer who is also a supporter of a specific cause or movement, often in a formal or legal context.
A cheerful person standing on a box, raising a fist enthusiastically to show strong support for a cause.

Examples

Él es un gran abogado de los derechos de los animales.

He is a great advocate for animal rights.

Se convirtió en el abogado de los más desfavorecidos.

He became the defender of the most disadvantaged.

defensor

/deh-fen-SOHR//defenˈsoɾ/

nounB1
Use 'defensor' for anyone who actively supports or defends a cause, idea, or person, without necessarily being a legal professional.
A brave knight in shining armor holding a large shield to protect a small puppy.

Examples

Él es un firme defensor de los derechos de los animales.

He is a firm advocate for animal rights.

El abogado actuó como el defensor del acusado.

The lawyer acted as the defender of the accused.

Linking with 'de'

To show what someone is defending, use the word 'de' right after 'defensor'. For example: 'defensor de la paz' (defender of peace).

Gender Matching

Mistake: “María es un defensor.”

Correction: María es una defensora.

defender

/deh-fehn-DEHR//de.fenˈdeɾ/

verbB2
Use 'defender' when you want to express the action of actively supporting or speaking out in favor of an idea, cause, or person.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a person standing on a box, holding a large heart symbol above their head, representing advocacy.

Examples

Ella siempre defiende los derechos de los animales.

She always advocates for animal rights.

El abogado defendió la inocencia de su cliente en el juicio.

The lawyer defended his client's innocence in the trial.

Debemos defender nuestra postura en la reunión.

We must uphold our position in the meeting.

Defending Ideas

When you use 'defender' to talk about supporting an abstract concept (like 'rights' or 'ideals'), it works just like the physical meaning—you are protecting that concept.

embajador

em-bah-hah-DOR/em.ba.xaˈðoɾ/

nounB1
Use 'embajador' when someone officially represents or promotes a cause, brand, or movement, much like a brand ambassador.
A friendly person smiling and speaking confidently into a microphone on a podium, acting as a spokesperson for an organization.

Examples

El famoso chef es el embajador de nuestra nueva línea de productos orgánicos.

The famous chef is the ambassador for our new line of organic products.

Ella se ha convertido en la embajadora de la cultura española en Asia.

She has become the representative/spokesperson for Spanish culture in Asia.

Figurative Extension

This meaning uses the formal title metaphorically. It describes someone who is the 'face' or main promoter of an idea, brand, or cause, not necessarily a government official.

profeta

pro-FEH-tah/pɾoˈfeta/

nounB2figurative
Use 'profeta' figuratively to describe someone seen as a visionary or a strong proponent who promotes a future-oriented cause or movement.
A person standing in front of a futuristic city silhouette, looking forward with a look of inspiration.

Examples

Steve Jobs fue un profeta de la tecnología moderna.

Steve Jobs was a visionary of modern technology.

Se le considera el profeta de este movimiento artístico.

He is considered the leader/visionary of this artistic movement.

Abogado vs. Defensor

The most common confusion is between 'abogado' and 'defensor'. Remember that 'abogado' specifically refers to a lawyer, even when they are advocating for a cause. 'Defensor' is a broader term for anyone who supports or defends something.

Related Translations

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