Inklingo

How to Say "applicant" in Spanish

English → Spanish

candidato

/kahn-dee-DAH-toh//kan.diˈda.to/

nounA2general
Use 'candidato' when referring to someone applying for a specific job, a scholarship, or a political position.
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 presentó su currículum para la vacante.

The applicant submitted their resume for the vacancy.

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'.)

interesado

een-teh-reh-SAH-doh/in.te.reˈsa.ðo/

nounC1formal
Use 'interesado' in formal contexts, especially legal or administrative, to refer to anyone who has a legitimate interest or is applying to participate in a process.
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 notificará a todos los interesados sobre la fecha de la audiencia.

All interested parties will be notified about the date of the hearing.

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 'Interesado'

Learners often confuse 'candidato' and 'interesado' by using 'candidato' in overly formal or legal contexts where 'interesado' is standard. Remember that 'candidato' is typically for job or political applications, while 'interesado' applies to anyone with a stake in a formal procedure.

Related Translations

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