Inklingo

How to Say "government" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “government” is “gobierno” — use this word for the general institution or body that runs a country or city, or for the collective group of people in power..

English → Spanish

gobierno

/go-BYEHR-no//ɡoˈβjeɾ.no/

NounA2General
Use this word for the general institution or body that runs a country or city, or for the collective group of people in power.
A colorful storybook illustration of a large, sturdy ship sailing smoothly on the ocean, steered by a figure holding a large wheel, symbolizing the institution that runs a country.

Examples

El gobierno anunció nuevas medidas económicas.

The government announced new economic measures.

Trabajo para el gobierno federal.

I work for the federal government.

El nuevo gobierno tomará posesión la próxima semana.

The new government (administration) will take office next week.

Always Masculine: 'el gobierno'

Even though it ends in '-o', which is usually a good sign for masculine words, it's helpful to just memorize that 'gobierno' is always masculine. You'll always say 'el gobierno' or 'un gobierno'.

Confusing 'Gobierno' and 'Estado'

Mistake: “El estado anunció nuevas leyes.”

Correction: El gobierno anunció nuevas leyes. 'Gobierno' refers to the people currently in charge (the administration), who make announcements. 'Estado' is the whole country and its permanent systems (courts, military, etc.).

administración

NounB2Formal/Political
This term refers specifically to the group of people currently leading the government, often highlighting their management and policies.

Examples

La nueva administración prometió reducir los impuestos.

The new administration (government) promised to reduce taxes.

estado

/es-TAH-doh//esˈta.ðo/

NounB1General/Political
Use this when referring to the concept of the state as a political entity, its structure, or its governing apparatus in a broad sense, or for specific states within a federal system.
A simple map of a country with a flag planted in it, representing a political state.

Examples

El estado debe garantizar la seguridad de sus ciudadanos.

The state must guarantee the safety of its citizens.

Los Estados Unidos tienen cincuenta estados.

The United States has fifty states.

El jefe de Estado dará un discurso mañana.

The head of state will give a speech tomorrow.

Es una escuela del Estado.

It's a state school (run by the government).

When to Capitalize 'Estado'

When 'Estado' refers to the government or the political institution itself, it's often capitalized, like a proper name. For example: 'El Estado debe proteger a sus ciudadanos' (The State must protect its citizens).

régimen

NounB1Formal/Political
This word is typically used to describe a specific system of government, often implying a particular political structure, especially if it is authoritarian or undemocratic.

Examples

La caída del régimen marcó el inicio de una nueva era.

The fall of the regime marked the beginning of a new era.

Choosing between 'gobierno' and 'administración'

Learners often use 'administración' when they simply mean the general institution of government ('gobierno'). Remember, 'administración' usually refers to the specific group of people currently in power and managing the country, whereas 'gobierno' is the broader term for the governing body itself.

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