How to Say "contender" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “contender” is “aspirante” — use 'aspirante' when referring to a person who is actively competing for a specific title, prize, or job position.
aspirante
ahs-pee-RAHN-tehaspiˈɾante
Examples
El equipo local tiene varios aspirantes para el trofeo de este año.
The local team has several contenders for this year's trophy.
Había más de cien aspirantes para el puesto de profesor.
There were more than a hundred applicants for the teaching position.
La joven aspirante a actriz fue a su primera audición.
The young aspiring actress went to her first audition.
El jurado eligió al aspirante más preparado.
The jury chose the most prepared candidate.
One word for both genders
The word itself doesn't change based on gender. To show if you are talking about a man or a woman, just change the word 'the' or 'a' before it: 'el aspirante' (the male candidate) and 'la aspirante' (the female candidate).
The 'To' Connection
In Spanish, we usually put the word 'a' after 'aspirante' to show what the person wants to be. For example: 'aspirante a chef' (aspiring chef).
Don't use 'aspiranta'
Mistake: “La aspiranta al trono.”
Correction: La aspirante al trono. Even though it ends in 'e', you don't change it to 'a' for women.
candidato
kahn-dee-DAH-tohkan.diˈda.to
Examples
Esta novela es una candidata fuerte para ganar el premio literario.
This novel is a strong contender to win the literary prize.
Este plato es un candidato perfecto para la cena de Nochebuena.
This dish is a perfect candidate for Christmas Eve dinner.
La película es una seria candidata a ganar el Óscar este año.
The movie is a serious contender (or candidate) to win the Oscar this year.
Adjective Agreement
When 'candidato' describes a thing, it functions like an adjective and must match the thing's gender and number. For example, 'el plato es candidato' (masculine singular) but 'las películas son candidatas' (feminine plural).
Aspirante vs. Candidato
Related Translations
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