Inklingo

How to Say "council" in Spanish

English → Spanish

consejo

kon-SEH-hokonˈse.xo

nounB1general
Use 'consejo' for an official administrative or advisory body, such as a city council or a board of directors.
Five diverse, formally dressed people seated around a large, round wooden table in a meeting room, intensely focused on a central point of discussion, representing a council.

Examples

El consejo de la ciudad aprobó la nueva ley.

The city council approved the new law.

La decisión fue tomada por el consejo de administración de la empresa.

The decision was made by the company's board of directors.

El Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU se reunirá mañana.

The UN Security Council will meet tomorrow.

Confusing the Two Meanings

Mistake: “Me dio un consejo de la ciudad.”

Correction: This sounds like 'He gave me a city council'. The context almost always makes the meaning clear. A sentence can even have both: 'El consejo de la ciudad me dio un buen consejo.' (The city council gave me some good advice.)

asamblea

ah-sahm-BLEH-ahasamˈblea

nounB1general
Choose 'asamblea' when referring to a group of people gathered together, especially to make decisions or represent others, like a neighborhood assembly or a general meeting.
A group of diverse people sitting in a circle of chairs, engaged in a focused discussion.

Examples

La asamblea de vecinos decidió pintar la fachada del edificio.

The neighborhood assembly decided to paint the building's facade.

Todos los estudiantes deben asistir a la asamblea escolar mañana.

All students must attend the school assembly tomorrow.

Se convocó una asamblea extraordinaria para discutir los nuevos salarios.

An extraordinary meeting was called to discuss the new salaries.

Gender and Articles

Even though it ends in 'a' and begins with 'a', it uses 'la' (la asamblea) because the stress is on the 'ble' part, not the first letter.

Group Nouns

When talking about what an 'asamblea' does, the verb stays singular (e.g., 'la asamblea dice') because you are treating the group as one single unit.

Asamblea vs. Reunión

Mistake: “Using 'asamblea' for a casual coffee with friends.”

Correction: Use 'reunión' or 'quedada' for casual meetups. 'Asamblea' is for formal voting or official group business.

junta

HOON-tahˈxunta

nounC1formal
Use 'junta' for a formal governing body, often with significant authority, such as a military junta or a board of directors in a company.
Three serious figures seated at a large wooden table in a formal setting, symbolizing a ruling council or military junta.

Examples

La junta militar disolvió el congreso y asumió el poder.

The military junta dissolved the congress and assumed power.

Históricamente, muchas naciones fueron gobernadas por una junta de generales.

Historically, many nations were governed by a council of generals.

Consejo vs. Asamblea

Learners often confuse 'consejo' and 'asamblea'. Remember that 'consejo' typically refers to an established administrative or advisory body with ongoing functions, while 'asamblea' implies a gathering of people, often for a specific meeting or to represent a larger group.

Related Translations

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