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How to Say "cabinet" in Spanish

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armario

/ar-MAH-ree-oh//aɾˈma.ɾjo/

nounA2general
Use 'armario' for a physical storage unit with doors and shelves, like a cupboard or closet, typically found in homes or offices.
A white cabinet mounted high on a kitchen wall, serving as general storage for dishes or food items, commonly known as a cupboard.

Examples

Guarda los platos limpios en el armario de la cocina.

Put the clean dishes away in the kitchen cupboard.

Necesitamos un armario para guardar los archivos de la oficina.

We need a cabinet to store the office files.

Context is Key

When you hear 'armario,' listen for the location. If it's in a bedroom, it means 'wardrobe.' If it's in a kitchen, it means 'cupboard' for dishes or food.

gobierno

/go-BYEHR-no//ɡoˈβjeɾ.no/

nounA2general
Use 'gobierno' to refer to the group of ministers or the governing body that makes decisions for a country or state.
A colorful storybook illustration of a large, sturdy ship sailing smoothly on the ocean, steered by a figure holding a large wheel, symbolizing the institution that runs a country.

Examples

El gobierno anunció nuevas medidas económicas.

The government announced new economic measures.

Trabajo para el gobierno federal.

I work for the federal government.

El nuevo gobierno tomará posesión la próxima semana.

The new government (administration) will take office next week.

Always Masculine: 'el gobierno'

Even though it ends in '-o', which is usually a good sign for masculine words, it's helpful to just memorize that 'gobierno' is always masculine. You'll always say 'el gobierno' or 'un gobierno'.

Confusing 'Gobierno' and 'Estado'

Mistake: “El estado anunció nuevas leyes.”

Correction: El gobierno anunció nuevas leyes. 'Gobierno' refers to the people currently in charge (the administration), who make announcements. 'Estado' is the whole country and its permanent systems (courts, military, etc.).

gabinete

/gah-bee-neh-teh//ɡaβiˈnete/

nounB2formal
Use 'gabinete' specifically for a cabinet of advisors, often a select group within the government, or sometimes for a physical cabinet in a more formal or specialized context.
A group of professional people in suits sitting around a large wooden table in a formal meeting room.

Examples

El presidente anunció cambios en su gabinete ministerial.

The president announced changes in his ministerial cabinet.

El gabinete se reunió de urgencia esta mañana.

The cabinet met urgently this morning.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine ('el gabinete'), even if the people inside the group are all women.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Using 'gabinete' for a kitchen cupboard.”

Correction: In most Spanish-speaking countries, use 'armario' or 'alacena' for kitchen storage. 'Gabinete' is for government or specific professional rooms.

Furniture vs. Government

The most common mistake is using 'gabinete' for furniture. Remember that 'armario' is the standard word for a cupboard or closet. 'Gabinete' and 'gobierno' both refer to political bodies, with 'gabinete' often implying a smaller group of advisors.

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