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How to Say "dictatorship" in Spanish

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dictadura

/deek-tah-DOO-rah//diktaˈðuɾa/

nounB1political system
Use 'dictadura' when referring to a political system where one person or a small group holds absolute power, regardless of how it is exercised.
A single giant, stern figure standing over a group of small, identical shadows to represent absolute authority.

Examples

El país vivió bajo una dictadura durante muchos años.

The country lived under a dictatorship for many years.

Mucha gente luchó para terminar con la dictadura.

Many people fought to end the dictatorship.

En una dictadura, no existe la libertad de prensa.

In a dictatorship, there is no freedom of the press.

It's a Feminine Word

Since it ends in '-ura', it is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Matching Your Adjectives

Any describing word you use with 'dictadura' must also be feminine, like 'dictadura sangrienta' (bloody dictatorship).

Gender Error

Mistake: “el dictadura”

Correction: la dictadura (because words ending in -ura are almost always feminine).

tiranía

nounB2authoritarian regime
Use 'tiranía' when the focus is on the oppressive, cruel, or unjust nature of an authoritarian regime, highlighting the suffering of the people.

Examples

El país finalmente se liberó de la tiranía.

The country finally freed itself from tyranny.

Dictadura vs. Tiranía

Learners often confuse 'dictadura' and 'tiranía' because both refer to oppressive rule. Remember that 'dictadura' is the general term for a dictatorship, while 'tiranía' specifically emphasizes the cruelty and injustice of that rule.

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