Inklingo

How to Say "authoritarian" in Spanish

English → Spanish

autoritario

/ow-toh-ree-TAH-ryoh//au.to.ɾi.ˈta.ɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'autoritario' when describing a person or system that strictly enforces rules and demands obedience, without much regard for individual freedom or input.
A stern figure in a dark uniform standing tall with arms crossed, looking down at a group of small, identical figures bowing in unison.

Examples

Mi jefe es muy autoritario y nunca acepta sugerencias.

My boss is very authoritarian and never accepts suggestions.

Muchos ciudadanos protestaron contra el gobierno autoritario.

Many citizens protested against the authoritarian government.

No seas tan autoritaria con tus hermanos menores.

Don't be so bossy with your younger siblings.

Matching Gender and Number

This word must match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'autoritario' for a man or a masculine thing (un jefe), 'autoritaria' for a woman or feminine thing (una jefa), and add an -s for plurals.

Word Order

In Spanish, we usually put this word after the person or thing we are describing, like saying 'the government authoritarian' instead of 'the authoritarian government'.

Don't forget the 'i'

Mistake: “autortario”

Correction: autoritario

Bossy vs. Authoritarian

Mistake: “Calling a toddler 'autoritario' in a cute way.”

Correction: Use 'mandón' for a child being bossy; 'autoritario' sounds much more serious and harsh.

fascista

/fas-SEES-tah//fasˈθista/

adjectiveB2figurative
Use 'fascista' figuratively to describe someone who is extremely controlling and dictatorial, often implying a harsh and oppressive manner, but avoid using it for general authoritarianism unless the context strongly implies a connection to fascist ideology.
A row of identical, rigid toy soldiers standing at strict attention under a single bright light.

Examples

Muchos países lucharon contra el régimen fascista.

Many countries fought against the fascist regime.

No seas tan fascista, deja que cada uno dé su opinión.

Don't be so bossy/intolerant, let everyone give their opinion.

La propaganda fascista era muy común en esa época.

Fascist propaganda was very common in that era.

One ending for everyone

Unlike many Spanish adjectives that change from -o to -a, this word always ends in -a, whether you are describing a man, a woman, or a neutral thing.

Using '-ista' for beliefs

In Spanish, words for followers of a belief or political group often end in '-ista' (like 'socialista' or 'optimista'). These words don't change based on gender.

The 'Fascisto' Error

Mistake: “El hombre fascisto.”

Correction: El hombre fascista. Remember, even though 'hombre' is masculine, the word 'fascista' never changes to an 'o'.

Autoritario vs. Fascista

Learners often incorrectly use 'fascista' for any strict boss or parent. Remember that 'fascista' has strong historical political connotations and is usually figurative when used for everyday control. Stick to 'autoritario' for general strictness.

Related Translations

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