Inklingo

How to Say "campaigner" in Spanish

English → Spanish

activista

ak-tee-bees-tahak.tiˈβis.ta

nounB1general
Use 'activista' for someone who is actively involved in social or political movements and campaigns for change.
A person standing on a small platform holding a megaphone and a hand-painted sign, addressing a small, diverse group of people in a park.

Examples

Ella es una activista muy conocida en su ciudad.

She is a very well-known activist in her city.

Los activistas ambientales están pidiendo nuevas leyes.

Environmental activists are asking for new laws.

Trabajar como activista de derechos humanos requiere mucha valentía.

Working as a human rights activist requires a lot of courage.

One word for both genders

The word 'activista' is the same for both men and women. You only change the word 'the' or 'a' in front of it (el activista vs. la activista).

Matching your adjectives

Even though the word 'activista' always ends in -a, any describing words used with it must match the person's real gender. For example: 'el activista compromeTIDO' (male) but 'la activista compromeTIDA' (female).

The 'Activisto' Error

Mistake: “El activisto está aquí.”

Correction: El activista está aquí. Words ending in -ista never change to -o for men.

cruzado

kroo-SAH-dohkruˈsaðo

nounB2general
Use 'cruzado' when referring to someone who is fiercely fighting for a cause, often with a historical, crusading, or righteous fervor, not typically used for modern political activists.
A simplified illustration of a medieval knight wearing a helmet and chainmail, standing upright and holding a shield marked with a large red cross.

Examples

Ricardo Corazón de León fue uno de los famosos cruzados.

Richard the Lionheart was one of the famous crusaders.

Los cruzados marcharon hacia Oriente Medio en el siglo XII.

The crusaders marched toward the Middle East in the 12th century.

Feminine Form

The female equivalent is 'cruzada' (the woman) or 'la Cruzada' (the event, the Crusade itself).

Activista vs. Cruzado

Learners often confuse 'activista' and 'cruzado' because both can mean someone fighting for a cause. However, 'activista' is the standard, everyday term for modern campaigners, while 'cruzado' implies a more intense, historical, or even religiously motivated struggle.

Related Translations

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