Inklingo

How to Say "leadership" in Spanish

English → Spanish

liderazgo

/lee-der-AHS-go//liðeˈɾasɣo/

nounB1general
Use 'liderazgo' when referring to the quality, skill, or role of being a leader, especially in informal or dynamic situations.
A person leading a small group of people through a green forest path.

Examples

Ella demostró un gran liderazgo durante la crisis.

She showed great leadership during the crisis.

El equipo necesita un nuevo liderazgo para ganar.

The team needs new leadership to win.

Bajo su liderazgo, la empresa creció mucho.

Under his leadership, the company grew a lot.

Masculine Ending

Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the standard rule of being a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

The '-azgo' Pattern

The ending '-azgo' is often used in Spanish to turn a person's role into a concept or status, similar to how English uses '-ship' in 'leadership' or 'friendship'.

Person vs. Concept

Mistake: “Using 'el liderazgo' to refer to a person.”

Correction: Use 'el líder' for the person and 'el liderazgo' for the concept or the position.

dirección

nounB1formal
Use 'dirección' when referring to the management, administration, or the group of people in charge of an organization or project.

Examples

La dirección de la empresa aprobó el nuevo proyecto.

The company's management approved the new project.

Dirección vs. Liderazgo

Learners often confuse 'dirección' and 'liderazgo' by using 'dirección' when they mean the personal quality of leadership ('liderazgo'). Remember, 'dirección' is more about the administrative function or the governing body, while 'liderazgo' is about the act or ability of leading.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.