Inklingo

How to Say "parliament" in Spanish

English → Spanish

congreso

kohn-GREH-soh/koŋˈɡɾeso/

nounB1formal
Use 'congreso' for the general national legislative body of a country, especially in Latin America, or when referring to a congress in the United States.
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-toh//paɾlaˈmento/

nounB1formal
Use 'parlamento' as a general term for a country's legislative assembly or government body, particularly in Spain and other parliamentary systems.
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.

cortes

kor-tes/ˈkoɾtes/

nounB1formal
Use 'cortes' specifically when referring to the legislative assembly of Spain (Las Cortes Generales).
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'.

Confusing 'Congreso' and 'Parlamento'

Learners often confuse 'congreso' and 'parlamento'. Remember that 'congreso' is common for national legislatures in general and in Latin America, while 'parlamento' is a more general term, often used in European contexts. When in doubt for Spain, 'cortes' is the most specific term.

Related Translations

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