Inklingo

How to Say "parliament" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “parliament” is “congreso” — use 'congreso' when referring to the national legislative body, especially in a general or Latin American context. It's the most common term for a country's federal law-making institution.

congreso🔊B1

Use 'congreso' when referring to the national legislative body, especially in a general or Latin American context. It's the most common term for a country's federal law-making institution.

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parlamento🔊B1

Use 'parlamento' for a general government body that makes laws, often used in Spain and other countries influenced by the British parliamentary system. It's a direct cognate and widely understood.

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asamblea🔊B2

Use 'asamblea' for a governing body, particularly when referring to a national assembly or a legislative body in a specific region or country, like 'Asamblea Nacional'. It can also mean 'assembly' in a broader sense.

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cortes🔊B1

Use 'cortes' specifically for the legislative assembly of Spain, known as 'Las Cortes Generales'. While it can mean 'legislative assembly' more generally, its primary use is for the Spanish institution.

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English → Spanish

congreso

kohn-GREH-sohkoŋˈɡɾeso

nounB1general
Use 'congreso' when referring to the national legislative body, especially in a general or Latin American context. It's the most common term for a country's federal law-making institution.
A simple illustration showing the interior of a legislative chamber. Rows of seated figures face a central podium where a speaker is standing.

Examples

El congreso aprobó la nueva ley de impuestos.

Congress approved the new tax law.

La sesión del congreso será televisada esta noche.

The parliamentary session will be televised tonight.

El edificio del congreso es un lugar histórico.

The congress building is a historic place.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though this word refers to a large group of people, it is always a masculine noun ('el congreso'), so use masculine articles and adjectives with it.

parlamento

par-lah-MEN-tohpaɾlaˈmento

nounB1general
Use 'parlamento' for a general government body that makes laws, often used in Spain and other countries influenced by the British parliamentary system. It's a direct cognate and widely understood.
A group of people seated in a semi-circle of desks within a grand hall, representing a legislative assembly.

Examples

El parlamento votará sobre la nueva ley mañana.

The parliament will vote on the new law tomorrow.

Muchos ciudadanos se reunieron frente al parlamento.

Many citizens gathered in front of the parliament building.

Using Gender

This is a masculine noun. Always use masculine markers like 'el' (the) or 'un' (a), even if the people inside the parliament are men or women.

Parliament vs. Congress

Mistake: “Using 'parlamento' for every country.”

Correction: Use 'parlamento' for countries with a parliamentary system (like Spain or the UK), but 'congreso' is more common for systems like the US or Mexico.

asamblea

ah-sahm-BLEH-ahasamˈblea

nounB2general
Use 'asamblea' for a governing body, particularly when referring to a national assembly or a legislative body in a specific region or country, like 'Asamblea Nacional'. It can also mean 'assembly' in a broader sense.
A grand hall with rows of wooden desks arranged in a semi-circle facing a central podium.

Examples

La Asamblea Nacional aprobó el presupuesto para el próximo año.

The National Assembly approved the budget for next year.

Los miembros de la asamblea legislativa debatieron la nueva ley.

The members of the legislative assembly debated the new law.

Capitalization

When referring to a specific government body like 'The National Assembly,' capitalize it as 'La Asamblea Nacional.'

cortes

kor-tesˈkoɾtes

nounB1formal/specific
Use 'cortes' specifically for the legislative assembly of Spain, known as 'Las Cortes Generales'. While it can mean 'legislative assembly' more generally, its primary use is for the Spanish institution.
A detailed illustration of an opulent, empty royal throne made of dark wood and gold accents, set within a vast, high-ceilinged hall.

Examples

Las Cortes Generales aprobaron el presupuesto nacional.

The Parliament approved the national budget.

Durante la Edad Media, las cortes eran el centro del poder.

During the Middle Ages, the royal courts were the center of power.

Gender Distinction

When referring to a judicial or royal court, the singular noun is feminine (la corte), and the plural is las cortes. This helps distinguish it from the masculine noun for 'cuts'.

Congreso vs. Parlamento

Learners often confuse 'congreso' and 'parlamento' because both refer to legislative bodies. Remember that 'congreso' is more common in Latin America for the national legislature, while 'parlamento' is a direct cognate often used in Spain and for systems similar to the UK's.

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