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How to Say "jurisdiction" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “jurisdiction” is “autoridad” — use 'autoridad' when referring to the general power or right to give orders and make decisions within a specific area or organization..

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autoridad

au-to-ri-DAD/aw.to.ɾiˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'autoridad' when referring to the general power or right to give orders and make decisions within a specific area or organization.
A person standing on a small pedestal holding a megaphone, symbolizing the power to give orders or authority.

Examples

El director tiene la autoridad de aprobar el presupuesto.

The director has the authority to approve the budget.

No tienes autoridad para decirme qué hacer.

You don't have the power/right to tell me what to do.

La ley le da autoridad al policía en ese momento.

The law gives the police officer authority at that moment.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -ad are feminine (like 'amistad' or 'ciudad'), 'autoridad' is a great reminder that you must always use the feminine articles: 'la autoridad', 'una autoridad'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El autoridad (Incorrect)”

Correction: La autoridad (Correct). Remember that -dad endings usually signal a feminine noun.

poderes

/po-DEH-res//poˈðeɾes/

nounB1formal
Use 'poderes' when referring to the branches of government or the formal powers vested in an institution or a person.
A person in an official uniform holding a large golden key, symbolizing authority.

Examples

Los tres poderes del Estado son el ejecutivo, el legislativo y el judicial.

The three branches (powers) of the State are the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

El presidente tiene amplios poderes para tomar decisiones rápidas.

The president has ample powers to make quick decisions.

Always Plural

Remember that 'poderes' is the plural form of 'poder' (power/authority). It is always masculine and requires masculine plural articles (los, unos).

jurisdicción

nounB2legal, formal
Use 'jurisdicción' specifically when talking about the official power of a court or other authority to make legal decisions and judgments.

Examples

Ese asunto no cae bajo mi jurisdicción.

That matter does not fall under my jurisdiction.

competencia

com-peh-TEN-see-ah/kompeˈtensja/

nounB1legal, administrative, formal
Use 'competencia' in a legal or administrative context to mean the scope of authority or the legal power to handle a specific matter.
A stylized cartoon bear standing confidently while expertly juggling three red apples, representing competence or ability.

Examples

El tribunal determinó que el caso estaba fuera de su competencia.

The court determined that the case was outside its jurisdiction.

Ella demostró una gran competencia lingüística en la entrevista.

She demonstrated great linguistic competence (or skill) in the interview.

Ese tribunal no tiene competencia para juzgar este caso.

That court does not have jurisdiction (or authority) to judge this case.

Mi competencia principal es la gestión de proyectos.

My main competence (or skill) is project management.

Using with Prepositions

Often paired with 'en' (in/at) when describing the area of skill: 'competencia en matemáticas' (competence in math).

Mixing Meanings

Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo mucha competencia' when you mean 'I have great skill'.”

Correction: This sounds like 'I have a lot of rivals.' Use 'Tengo mucha habilidad' or 'Tengo mucha capacidad' instead to avoid confusion.

Confusing Legal vs. General Authority

Learners often confuse 'autoridad' (general control) with 'jurisdicción' or 'competencia' (legal/official power). Remember, if you're talking about a court's power or a legal domain, use 'jurisdicción' or 'competencia'. 'Autoridad' is for broader control.

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