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How to Say "emperor" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “emperor” is “emperador” — use 'emperador' for the general term for a supreme male ruler of an empire, regardless of specific historical period or region, unless the context specifically points to a Roman emperor..

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emperador

em-peh-rah-DOR/empeɾaˈðoɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'emperador' for the general term for a supreme male ruler of an empire, regardless of specific historical period or region, unless the context specifically points to a Roman emperor.
A stern man wearing a golden crown and purple robes sits regally on a large stone throne.

Examples

El emperador gobernó el vasto imperio durante cuarenta años.

The emperor ruled the vast empire for forty years.

La caída del emperador marcó el fin de una era.

The fall of the emperor marked the end of an era.

Gender Pair

The feminine equivalent is 'emperatriz' (empress). Remember to change the article ('el' or 'la') to match the gender.

Confusing Titles

Mistake: “Using 'rey' (king) when referring to the ruler of an 'imperio' (empire).”

Correction: An 'emperador' rules an 'imperio,' which is generally a larger and more powerful domain than a 'reino' (kingdom) ruled by a 'rey.'

césar

nounC2historical
Use 'césar' specifically when referring to the historical title of the rulers of ancient Rome, particularly those who held supreme power.

Examples

El césar, en la antigua Roma, tenía un poder absoluto.

The Caesar, in ancient Rome, held absolute power.

Emperador vs. César

The most common mistake is using 'césar' when 'emperador' is more appropriate. Remember that 'emperador' is the general term for any emperor, while 'césar' is a specific historical title tied to Roman rulers.

Related Translations

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