How to Say "deputy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “deputy” is “teniente” — use 'teniente' when referring to someone appointed to act in place of a superior in a political, administrative, or organizational role, such as a deputy mayor or a deputy leader.
Use 'teniente' when referring to someone appointed to act in place of a superior in a political, administrative, or organizational role, such as a deputy mayor or a deputy leader.
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Use 'vicario' when referring to someone appointed to act on behalf of a superior, most commonly in a religious context, like a parish vicar representing a priest.
Learn more →teh-NYEN-tehteˈnjente
Examples
El teniente de alcalde supervisará el proyecto.
The deputy mayor will oversee the project.
El teniente de alcalde inauguró el nuevo parque.
The deputy mayor inaugurated the new park.
Actuó como teniente del director durante su ausencia.
He acted as the director's deputy during his absence.
bee-KAH-ryohbiˈkaɾjo
Examples
El vicario general asistió al sínodo en nombre del obispo.
The vicar general attended the synod on behalf of the bishop.
El vicario de la parroquia organizó el evento.
The parish vicar organized the event.
El Papa es considerado el Vicario de Cristo.
The Pope is considered the Vicar of Christ.
Nombraron a un nuevo vicario judicial.
They appointed a new judicial vicar.
Using the Article
When referring to the person's title, always use 'el' (the), like 'el vicario'.
Capitals in Titles
Mistake: “Always capitalizing 'vicario'.”
Correction: In modern Spanish, titles like 'vicario' are usually written in lowercase unless they start a sentence or are part of a very specific formal address.
Teniente vs. Vicario
Learners often confuse 'teniente' and 'vicario' because both can mean someone acting for a superior. Remember that 'teniente' is generally for political or administrative roles, while 'vicario' is primarily for religious or ecclesiastical ones.
Related Translations
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