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How to Say "authority" in Spanish

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autoridad

au-to-ri-DAD/aw.to.ɾiˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'autoridad' when referring to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
A person standing on a small pedestal holding a megaphone, symbolizing the power to give orders or authority.

Examples

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.

jurisdicción

nounB2legal, administrative
Use 'jurisdicción' when referring to the official power or scope of authority over a particular area or subject matter.

Examples

Ese asunto no cae bajo mi jurisdicción.

That matter does not fall under my jurisdiction.

mando

/mahn-doh//ˈman.do/

nounB2organizational, military
Use 'mando' to describe organizational power or leadership, especially in a military or hierarchical context.
A stern-faced military officer in a green uniform standing tall, raising a hand in a clear, authoritative commanding gesture.

Examples

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.

eminencia

/eh-mee-NEN-syah//emiˈnensja/

nounB2formal
Use 'eminencia' to refer to a person who is a leading authority or highly respected expert in their field.
A distinguished professor standing in front of a large bookshelf, holding a trophy and being applauded by others.

Examples

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.

Authority vs. Expert

Learners often confuse 'autoridad' (power/right to command) with 'eminencia' (respected expert). Remember that 'autoridad' is about having control or power, while 'eminencia' is about being recognized for knowledge or skill.

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