What is the difference between "supervisor", "capataz", "superintendente" in Spanish?

The English word 'overseer' can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on the context. While 'capataz' and 'supervisor' are common for direct management, 'superintendente' often refers to a higher level of administrative authority, especially in construction.

How to Say "overseer" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “overseer” is “supervisor” — use 'supervisor' for a general or formal term for someone who oversees the work of others, common in office or professional settings.

supervisor🔊B1

Use 'supervisor' for a general or formal term for someone who oversees the work of others, common in office or professional settings.

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capataz🔊B1

Choose 'capataz' when referring to someone who directly supervises manual labor, particularly in agriculture, construction sites, or similar fieldwork.

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superintendente🔊B2

Use 'superintendente' for a high-level administrative role, especially in large projects like construction, where they have broad authority.

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English → Spanish

supervisor

soo-pehr-vee-SOHRsupeɾβiˈsoɾ

nounB1formal/general

Use 'supervisor' for a general or formal term for someone who oversees the work of others, common in office or professional settings.

A central figure, depicted as a supervisor, standing slightly elevated and pointing clearly at a task on a table where three team members are actively working on a project.

Examples

Mi supervisor me dio una retroalimentación positiva sobre el proyecto.

My supervisor gave me positive feedback on the project.

Necesitas la aprobación del supervisor para tomar vacaciones.

You need the supervisor's approval to take vacation time.

El supervisor de la obra visitó el sitio esta mañana.

The construction site supervisor visited the site this morning.

Gender Change for People

When referring to a woman in this role, the word changes to the feminine form: 'la supervisora'. Always match the ending to the person's gender.

Confusing Roles

Mistake: “Usando 'jefe' cuando realmente es un 'supervisor'.”

Correction: While 'jefe' (boss) is general, 'supervisor' implies a specific role overseeing daily tasks. Use 'supervisor' for clarity in a hierarchy.

See full entry for “supervisor” →

capataz

kah-pah-TAHSkapaˈθas

nounB1manual labor supervision

Choose 'capataz' when referring to someone who directly supervises manual labor, particularly in agriculture, construction sites, or similar fieldwork.

A person wearing a yellow safety vest and holding a rolled-up blueprint, standing confidently in front of a construction site with workers in the background.

Examples

El capataz dio las instrucciones a los obreros al comenzar el día.

The foreman gave instructions to the workers at the start of the day.

Ella es la capataz de la finca y conoce muy bien las tierras.

She is the overseer of the farm and knows the land very well.

Si tienes algún problema con la obra, habla con el capataz.

If you have a problem with the construction, talk to the foreman.

Changing Z to C in Plurals

When a Spanish word ends in 'z', it changes to a 'c' when you make it plural. So, one 'capataz' becomes many 'capataces'.

Gender and the word Capataz

While traditionally masculine (el capataz), you can refer to a woman as 'la capataz' or use the feminine form 'la capataza' in many regions.

Spelling the Plural

Mistake: “Los capatazes”

Correction: Los capataces. Always swap 'z' for 'c' before adding '-es'.

See full entry for “capataz” →

superintendente

soo-peh-reen-tehn-DEHN-tehsupeɾintendenˈte

nounB2general administrative

Use 'superintendente' for a high-level administrative role, especially in large projects like construction, where they have broad authority.

A confident person in a formal suit holding a clipboard, standing in front of a large, clean building project.

Examples

El superintendente de la obra revisó los planos esta mañana.

The construction superintendent reviewed the blueprints this morning.

La nueva superintendente de policía prometió mejorar la seguridad.

The new police superintendent promised to improve safety.

Debemos enviar un informe directamente al superintendente regional.

We must send a report directly to the regional superintendent.

One word for everyone

This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. To show gender, just change the 'the' before it: 'el superintendente' for a man and 'la superintendente' for a woman.

Formal address

When speaking to a superintendent, it is common to include their title before their last name to show respect.

Avoid 'Superintendenta'

Mistake: “La superintendenta de la escuela.”

Correction: La superintendente de la escuela. While some regions are starting to use the 'a' ending, the standard and most professional form for both genders ends in 'e'.

See full entry for “superintendente” →

Choosing between 'supervisor' and 'capataz'

Learners often confuse 'supervisor' and 'capataz'. Remember that 'supervisor' is a broad term for any oversight role, while 'capataz' specifically implies supervision of manual labor, like on a farm or construction site.

Related Translations

supervisor→foreman→manager→overseeing→superintendent→supervisory→

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