Inklingo

How to Say "officials" in Spanish

English → Spanish

autoridades

/ah-oo-toh-ree-DAH-des//autoɾiˈðaðes/

nounB1formal
Use 'autoridades' when referring to the people or bodies that govern or administer a country, region, or organization, often in a formal or official capacity.
A colorful storybook illustration depicting three serious-looking figures wearing formal suits seated behind a long, imposing wooden desk, representing government officials or people in power.

Examples

Las autoridades sanitarias emitieron nuevas directrices.

The health authorities issued new guidelines.

Las autoridades escolares cancelaron la clase por la nieve.

The school authorities canceled class because of the snow.

Debemos seguir las instrucciones de las autoridades sanitarias.

We must follow the instructions of the health authorities.

Si ves algo sospechoso, llama inmediatamente a las autoridades.

If you see something suspicious, call the authorities immediately.

Always Plural

Even when you are referring to a single governing body, this word is almost always used in its plural form: 'Las autoridades' (The authorities).

Feminine Agreement

Since the base word 'autoridad' is feminine, all the words around 'autoridades' must also be feminine, like 'las' (the) and any describing words (adjectives).

Using the Singular

Mistake: “La autoridad llegaron.”

Correction: Las autoridades llegaron. (The authorities arrived.) You must use the plural form and plural verb conjugation.

oficiales

oh-fee-see-AH-less/ofiˈsjales/

nounB1
Choose 'oficiales' when referring to individuals who hold a rank or position within a government body, military, police force, or organized group.
Two figures standing side-by-side, wearing simple, dark blue military uniforms with bright gold shoulder epaulets and formal caps.

Examples

Varios oficiales de policía respondieron a la emergencia.

Several police officers responded to the emergency.

Los oficiales de la marina supervisaron la operación de rescate.

The navy officers supervised the rescue operation.

Los oficiales de aduanas inspeccionaron el cargamento.

The customs officials inspected the shipment.

Se necesitan más oficiales para cubrir el turno de noche.

More officers are needed to cover the night shift.

Gender Note

While 'oficiales' is the masculine plural form, it is often used to refer to a group of officers that includes both men and women.

responsables

reh-spon-SAH-blehs/res.ponˈsa.βles/

nounB1
Use 'responsables' when referring to the individuals who are in charge or accountable for a specific task, project, or organization.
Two simple, smiling cartoon characters, a cat and a dog, stand next to a completed, brightly colored wooden building block structure, looking satisfied with their joint work.

Examples

Los responsables del proyecto presentaron los resultados.

The people in charge of the project presented the results.

Los responsables de la empresa emitieron un comunicado.

The people in charge of the company issued a statement.

La policía busca a los responsables del robo.

The police are looking for those responsible for the robbery.

¿Quiénes son los responsables aquí?

Who are the officials/people in charge here?

The 'Hidden' Noun

When 'responsables' is used as a noun, it means 'the responsible people.' Spanish often drops the noun when it's obvious from the context, letting the adjective (responsables) stand alone.

Translating Literally

Mistake: “We found the responsible.”

Correction: We found those responsible. (Always include 'those' or 'the people' in English for clarity when it's used as a noun.)

Autoridades vs. Oficiales

Learners often confuse 'autoridades' and 'oficiales'. Remember that 'autoridades' refers to the governing body or administration, while 'oficiales' points to individuals holding a specific rank or role within that structure.

Related Translations

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