How to Say "magistrate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “magistrate” is “juez” — use 'juez' for any judge or judicial officer, especially in a general context or when referring to a judge in a lower court.
juez
hwehs/xweθ/ (Spain) or /xwɛs/ (Americas)
Examples
El juez dictó sentencia después de escuchar todas las pruebas.
The judge handed down the sentence after hearing all the evidence.
Necesitamos un juez imparcial para resolver este conflicto.
We need an impartial judge to resolve this conflict.
Mi hermana quiere estudiar derecho para ser jueza en el futuro.
My sister wants to study law to be a judge in the future.
Masculine vs. Feminine
This word is the standard form for a male judge. If you are referring to a female judge, the preferred and most common form is 'la jueza'.
Using 'Juez' for Sports Referees
Mistake: “Using 'juez' when referring to a soccer referee.”
Correction: While sometimes accurate in a general sense, the specific term for a referee in sports like soccer or basketball is usually 'árbitro'.
magistrado
mah-hees-TRAH-dohmaxisˈtɾaðo
Examples
El magistrado dictó una sentencia histórica sobre los derechos civiles.
The magistrate handed down a landmark ruling on civil rights.
Para ser magistrado del Tribunal Supremo, se requiere mucha experiencia.
To be a Supreme Court justice, a lot of experience is required.
Vimos al magistrado entrar en el palacio de justicia esta mañana.
We saw the magistrate enter the courthouse this morning.
Using 'A' with People
When a magistrate is the person receiving the action in a sentence (the object), you must use the word 'a' before it. For example: 'Llamaron a un magistrado' (They called a magistrate).
Magistrado vs. Juez
While both work in law, a 'magistrado' is usually higher-ranking than a standard 'juez' and typically works in superior or collective courts.
Lower Court Confusion
Mistake: “Using 'magistrado' for a local neighborhood judge.”
Correction: Use 'juez' for lower courts; 'magistrado' is reserved for higher-level judicial officers.
Gender Matching
Mistake: “La magistrado.”
Correction: While the role is 'magistrado', if the person is a woman, you must use the feminine article and ending: 'la magistrada'.
General vs. Specific Usage
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