Inklingo

How to Say "nominee" in Spanish

English → Spanish

candidato

kahn-dee-DAH-tohkan.diˈda.to

nounA2formal
Use 'candidato' when referring to someone who is officially proposed or running for a position, especially in politics or a competition.
A smiling person in professional clothing stands behind a wooden podium, waving to an unseen audience, symbolizing a candidate running for office.

Examples

El candidato presidencial prometió bajar los impuestos.

The presidential candidate promised to lower taxes.

Fui uno de los candidatos seleccionados para la entrevista final.

I was one of the candidates selected for the final interview.

Buscan un candidato joven para modernizar la empresa.

They are looking for a young candidate to modernize the company.

Gender Matching

Since 'candidato' refers to a person, you must change the ending if referring to a woman: 'el candidato' (the male candidate) becomes 'la candidata' (the female candidate).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La candidato tiene buenas ideas.”

Correction: El candidato tiene buenas ideas. (The article 'el' must match the masculine noun 'candidato'.)

nominado

no-mee-NAH-dohnomiˈnaðo

nounB1formal
Use 'nominado' when referring to someone who has been officially put forward or selected for an award, honor, or specific role in a formal nomination process.
A person standing on a stage with a spotlight on them, looking surprised and happy.

Examples

El nominado agradeció al público su apoyo.

The nominee thanked the public for their support.

Los nominados deben presentarse en el teatro a las ocho.

The nominees must show up at the theater at eight.

Solo un nominado podrá llevarse el trofeo a casa.

Only one nominee will be able to take the trophy home.

Nouns from Adjectives

In Spanish, you can often turn an adjective into a noun just by putting 'el' or 'la' in front of it. So 'el nominado' literally means 'the nominated one'.

Plural Groups

Mistake: “Las nominados son...”

Correction: Los nominados son... Use 'los' for a group of men or a mixed group of men and women.

Candidato vs. Nominado

Learners often confuse 'candidato' and 'nominado' by using 'candidato' for award ceremonies. Remember that 'candidato' is for someone actively running or proposed for a role, while 'nominado' is for someone already chosen in a nomination process, often for an award.

Related Translations

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