Inklingo

How to Say "patron" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “patron” is “cliente” — use 'cliente' when referring to someone who regularly buys goods or services from a business, like a shop or restaurant.

cliente🔊A1

Use 'cliente' when referring to someone who regularly buys goods or services from a business, like a shop or restaurant.

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patrocinador🔊B1

Use 'patrocinador' for a person or company that financially supports an event, activity, or organization, especially in sports or arts.

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protector🔊B1

Choose 'protector' when referring to someone who actively supports or defends a cause, an artist, or an institution, often out of admiration or a sense of duty.

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padrino🔊B2

Use 'padrino' when describing someone who provides significant financial or influential support, especially to an artist or a cause, implying a powerful backing.

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guardiánC1

Employ 'guardián' when referring to someone who is the keeper or defender of something important, like traditions, secrets, or a place.

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English → Spanish

cliente

klee-EN-tehkliˈente

nounA1general
Use 'cliente' when referring to someone who regularly buys goods or services from a business, like a shop or restaurant.
A colorful illustration of a smiling customer receiving a brown shopping bag from a cashier across a wooden counter.

Examples

El cliente siempre tiene la razón.

The customer is always right.

Soy cliente habitual de esta cafetería.

I am a regular customer of this coffee shop.

La abogada está esperando a su próximo cliente.

The lawyer is waiting for her next client.

Gender: 'cliente' and 'clienta'

The word 'cliente' refers to a male customer or is used when the gender isn't known. For a female customer, you must use the word 'clienta'.

Mixing up 'Cliente' and 'Huésped'

Mistake: “El hotel tiene muchos clientes nuevos.”

Correction: It's more natural to say, 'El hotel tiene muchos huéspedes nuevos.' Use 'huésped' for a hotel guest and 'cliente' for almost everyone else who buys something.

patrocinador

pa-tro-see-na-DORpatɾosinaˈðoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'patrocinador' for a person or company that financially supports an event, activity, or organization, especially in sports or arts.
A person in a business suit handing a large gold trophy and a bag of money to a smiling athlete.

Examples

El equipo de fútbol tiene un nuevo patrocinador.

The soccer team has a new sponsor.

Necesitamos encontrar un patrocinador para el concierto benéfico.

We need to find a sponsor for the charity concert.

Gracias a nuestro patrocinador, pudimos viajar a la competencia.

Thanks to our sponsor, we were able to travel to the competition.

People words ending in -or

In Spanish, words describing a person's role or job that end in '-or' are usually masculine. To talk about a woman, you change the ending to '-ora'.

Plural forms

To make this word plural, just add '-es' to the end: 'patrocinadores'.

Don't use 'padrino'

Mistake: “El padrino del evento es Coca-Cola.”

Correction: El patrocinador del evento es Coca-Cola. 'Padrino' is a personal godfather (like at a wedding or baptism), while 'patrocinador' is for business support.

Using the English word

Mistake: “El sponsor del equipo.”

Correction: El patrocinador del equipo. While 'sponsor' is sometimes used in marketing slang, 'patrocinador' is the correct and more natural Spanish term.

protector

pro-tek-TORpɾoteɣˈtoɾ

nounB1general
Choose 'protector' when referring to someone who actively supports or defends a cause, an artist, or an institution, often out of admiration or a sense of duty.
A tall, strong figure holds the hand of a small figure, guiding them safely across a narrow wooden bridge.

Examples

El duque era el protector de la ciudad durante la guerra.

The duke was the protector of the city during the war.

Buscan un protector para financiar la nueva fundación.

They are looking for a patron to finance the new foundation.

The Female Form

To refer to a female person who protects, use the feminine noun: la protectora (the protectress/female patron).

padrino

pah-DREE-nohpaˈðɾino

nounB2general
Use 'padrino' when describing someone who provides significant financial or influential support, especially to an artist or a cause, implying a powerful backing.
An established, well-dressed person placing a supportive hand on the shoulder of a younger person holding a briefcase, symbolizing a powerful patron.

Examples

En el mundo del arte, ella encontró un padrino que financió su exposición.

In the art world, she found a patron who financed her exhibition.

Se dice que el jefe de la mafia es el padrino de toda la ciudad.

They say the mafia boss is the 'godfather' (protector/patron) of the entire city.

Figurative Use

This meaning extends the idea of the ceremonial 'godfather' to mean anyone who holds power and gives protection or assistance to another person or project.

guardián

nounC1general
Employ 'guardián' when referring to someone who is the keeper or defender of something important, like traditions, secrets, or a place.

Examples

El anciano era el guardián de los secretos del pueblo.

The old man was the guardian of the town's secrets.

Customer vs. Supporter

Learners often confuse 'cliente' (customer) with words like 'patrocinador' or 'padrino' (supporter/sponsor). Remember that 'cliente' strictly refers to a paying customer in a business context, while the others imply a benefactor or backer.

Related Translations

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