Inklingo

How to Say "applicant" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “applicant” is “candidato” — use 'candidato' for someone officially applying for a job, political office, or any specific role where they are presenting themselves as a contender.

English → Spanish

candidato

kahn-dee-DAH-tohkan.diˈda.to

nounA2general
Use 'candidato' for someone officially applying for a job, political office, or any specific role where they are presenting themselves as a contender.
A smiling person in professional clothing stands behind a wooden podium, waving to an unseen audience, symbolizing a candidate running for office.

Examples

El candidato para el puesto de gerente fue seleccionado ayer.

The candidate for the manager position was selected yesterday.

El candidato presidencial prometió bajar los impuestos.

The presidential candidate promised to lower taxes.

Fui uno de los candidatos seleccionados para la entrevista final.

I was one of the candidates selected for the final interview.

Buscan un candidato joven para modernizar la empresa.

They are looking for a young candidate to modernize the company.

Gender Matching

Since 'candidato' refers to a person, you must change the ending if referring to a woman: 'el candidato' (the male candidate) becomes 'la candidata' (the female candidate).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La candidato tiene buenas ideas.”

Correction: El candidato tiene buenas ideas. (The article 'el' must match the masculine noun 'candidato'.)

aspirante

ahs-pee-RAHN-tehaspiˈɾante

nounB1general
Choose 'aspirante' when referring to someone who is in the process of applying, especially for competitive positions like jobs or academic programs, often implying they are one of many.
A person in a professional suit holding a folder and sitting in a waiting room chair.

Examples

Solo cinco aspirantes pasaron a la siguiente ronda de entrevistas.

Only five applicants made it to the next round of interviews.

Había más de cien aspirantes para el puesto de profesor.

There were more than a hundred applicants for the teaching position.

La joven aspirante a actriz fue a su primera audición.

The young aspiring actress went to her first audition.

El jurado eligió al aspirante más preparado.

The jury chose the most prepared candidate.

One word for both genders

The word itself doesn't change based on gender. To show if you are talking about a man or a woman, just change the word 'the' or 'a' before it: 'el aspirante' (the male candidate) and 'la aspirante' (the female candidate).

The 'To' Connection

In Spanish, we usually put the word 'a' after 'aspirante' to show what the person wants to be. For example: 'aspirante a chef' (aspiring chef).

Don't use 'aspiranta'

Mistake: “La aspiranta al trono.”

Correction: La aspirante al trono. Even though it ends in 'e', you don't change it to 'a' for women.

interesado

een-teh-reh-SAH-dohin.te.reˈsa.ðo

nounC1formal
Use 'interesado' in formal or legal contexts to refer to a party who has expressed interest or is applying for something, like a contract or a legal proceeding.
Two distinct figures, one appearing official (perhaps a judge or lawyer) and the other a participant, sitting across a large, formal wooden table, indicating involvement in a process.

Examples

Se ruega a los interesados que presenten la documentación requerida antes del viernes.

Interested parties are requested to submit the required documentation before Friday.

Los interesados tienen tres días para presentar sus alegaciones.

The interested parties have three days to present their claims.

La lista de interesados en la beca se publicará mañana.

The list of applicants for the scholarship will be published tomorrow.

Adjective Used as a Noun

This definition is essentially the adjective 'interesado' being used as a noun to mean 'the person who is interested.' It is usually preceded by an article (el, la, los, las).

Choosing Between 'Candidato' and 'Aspirante'

Learners often confuse 'candidato' and 'aspirante'. While both mean applicant, 'candidato' is generally used for someone in a more official or competitive selection process (like a political candidate), whereas 'aspirante' can imply a broader group of hopefuls, especially in job applications.

Related Translations

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