How to Say "authority" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “authority” is “autoridad” — use 'autoridad' when referring to the power or right to give orders, enforce rules, or make decisions, often in a formal or hierarchical context.
autoridad
au-to-ri-DADaw.to.ɾiˈðað
Examples
El jefe tiene la autoridad para despedir empleados.
The boss has the authority to fire employees.
El director tiene la autoridad de aprobar el presupuesto.
The director has the authority to approve the budget.
No tienes autoridad para decirme qué hacer.
You don't have the power/right to tell me what to do.
La ley le da autoridad al policía en ese momento.
The law gives the police officer authority at that moment.
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -ad are feminine (like 'amistad' or 'ciudad'), 'autoridad' is a great reminder that you must always use the feminine articles: 'la autoridad', 'una autoridad'.
Using the wrong article
Mistake: “El autoridad (Incorrect)”
Correction: La autoridad (Correct). Remember that -dad endings usually signal a feminine noun.
eminencia
eh-mee-NEN-syahemiˈnensja
Examples
Ella es una eminencia en el campo de la medicina.
She is a leading authority in the field of medicine.
El profesor García es una eminencia en el campo de la arqueología.
Professor García is a leading authority in the field of archaeology.
Tuvimos el honor de escuchar a una eminencia de la medicina moderna.
We had the honor of listening to a distinguished figure of modern medicine.
Gender remains feminine
Even when you are talking about a man, you must always use 'una eminencia' (feminine). The word's form doesn't change based on the person's gender.
Avoid 'un eminencia'
Mistake: “El doctor es un eminencia.”
Correction: El doctor es una eminencia. Because 'eminencia' is a feminine noun, it keeps its feminine article even for men.
mando
mahn-dohˈman.do
Examples
El general asumió el mando de las tropas.
The general took command of the troops.
El presidente tomó el mando después de las elecciones.
The president took command after the elections.
Necesitamos una persona con mando y experiencia para dirigir el proyecto.
We need a person with authority and experience to lead the project.
Masculine Noun
'Mando' is always masculine, so it uses 'el' (el mando) and adjectives describing it must end in 'o' or be gender-neutral.
jurisdicción
Examples
Este tribunal no tiene jurisdicción sobre ese caso.
This court does not have jurisdiction over that case.
cátedra
Examples
El chef dio una cátedra de cocina molecular.
The chef gave a master class in molecular gastronomy.
vara
bah-rahˈba.ɾa
Examples
En esa empresa, el director tiene la vara.
In that company, the director holds the power.
En este pueblo, el alcalde tiene la vara alta.
In this town, the mayor has a lot of influence.
No intentes discutir con ella; tiene la vara de mando.
Don't try to argue with her; she holds the staff of command.
Él tiene vara en ese departamento.
He has pull in that department.
Symbolic Power
The 'vara' represents the physical staff that leaders or mayors used to carry as a symbol of their office.
Autoridad vs. Eminencia
Related Translations
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