How to Say "advocate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “advocate” is “abogado” — use 'abogado' when referring to a legal professional who represents clients in court or provides legal counsel. It can also mean a strong supporter of a cause, similar to 'defensor'.
abogado
ah-boh-GAH-doha.βoˈɣa.ðo
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-SOHRdefenˈsoɾ
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-DEHRde.fenˈdeɾ
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.
promotor
pro-mo-TORpɾomoˈtoɾ
Examples
El promotor del concierto anunció que las entradas están agotadas.
The concert promoter announced that the tickets are sold out.
Trabaja como promotor de ventas en un centro comercial.
He works as a sales promoter in a shopping mall.
Él es un gran promotor de la vida saludable.
He is a great advocate for a healthy lifestyle.
Making it Feminine
To talk about a woman, just add an 'a' at the end: 'la promotora'. The plural versions are 'los promotores' and 'las promotoras'.
Describing the person
When you want to say what kind of promoter someone is, you usually put the description right after the word, like 'promotor cultural' (cultural promoter).
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: “La promotor es muy activa.”
Correction: La promotora es muy activa. (When referring to a woman, you must use the 'a' ending).
embajador
em-bah-hah-DORem.ba.xaˈðoɾ
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-tahpɾoˈfeta
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.
predicador
pre-dee-kah-dorpɾeðikaˈðoɾ
Examples
El predicador habló sobre la importancia del perdón.
The preacher spoke about the importance of forgiveness.
Mi abuelo era un predicador muy respetado en su comunidad.
My grandfather was a very respected preacher in his community.
Se ha convertido en un predicador de la vida sana y el ejercicio.
He has become an advocate for healthy living and exercise.
People words ending in -dor
In Spanish, adding '-dor' to a verb root is a common way to describe the person who does that action. Since 'predicar' means 'to preach,' a 'predicador' is the one who preaches.
Making it feminine
While this entry focuses on the masculine form, if you are talking about a woman, you simply add an 'a' at the end to get 'predicadora'.
Predicador vs. Sacerdote
Mistake: “Using 'predicador' for every Catholic priest.”
Correction: While a priest (sacerdote) can preach, a 'predicador' is specifically someone known for their speeches or sermons, regardless of their official title.
Abogado vs. Defensor
Related Translations
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