How to Say "clerical" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “clerical” is “administrativo” — use this term when referring to general office work, administrative tasks, or the management and organization of an office.
administrativo
ad-mee-nees-tra-TEE-bohaðministɾaˈtiβo
Examples
El papeleo administrativo tomó horas.
The clerical paperwork took hours.
El proceso administrativo es un poco lento en este país.
The administrative process is a bit slow in this country.
Necesito ayuda con las tareas administrativas de la oficina.
I need help with the administrative tasks of the office.
Hubo un error administrativo y mi vuelo fue cancelado.
There was an administrative error and my flight was canceled.
Matching the Noun
This word must match the gender of the thing it describes. Use 'administrativo' for masculine words (el proceso) and 'administrativa' for feminine words (la tarea).
Positioning
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the person or thing it describes, like 'personal administrativo' instead of 'administrative staff'.
Confusing with 'Administrator'
Mistake: “Soy un administrativo de la empresa.”
Correction: This is correct if you are a clerk, but if you mean you are a 'Manager', you should use 'Administrador'.
eclesiástico
eh-kleh-syahs-tee-kohekleˈsjastiko
Examples
El edificio eclesiástico es muy antiguo.
The clerical building is very old.
El derecho eclesiástico regula los asuntos internos de la Iglesia.
Church law regulates the internal affairs of the Church.
Llevaba una vestimenta eclesiástica muy tradicional.
He wore very traditional church-related clothing.
Las autoridades eclesiásticas emitieron un comunicado.
The church authorities issued a statement.
Matching the word it describes
This word must change its ending to match the noun. Use 'eclesiástico' for 'el' words and 'eclesiástica' for 'la' words.
Placement after the noun
In Spanish, this adjective almost always comes after the thing it is describing (e.g., 'el tribunal eclesiástico').
Confusing with 'Religioso'
Mistake: “Using it for a person's feelings.”
Correction: Use 'eclesiástico' for official church business/laws, and 'religioso' for general faith or personal piety.
reverendo
reh-veh-REN-dohreβeˈɾendo
Examples
Hablamos con el reverendo sobre el evento.
We spoke with the clerical about the event.
Conocimos al reverendo Smith en la iglesia.
We met Reverend Smith at the church.
Su eminencia, el reverendo Obispo, llegó tarde.
His eminence, the Reverend Bishop, arrived late.
Agreement
As an adjective used as a title, 'reverendo' must agree in gender with the person it describes. Use 'reverenda' for women.
Office vs. Clergy
Related Translations
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