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How to Say "powers" in Spanish

English → Spanish

poderes

/po-DEH-res//poˈðeɾes/

nounB1formal
Use 'poderes' when referring to the authority, rights, or official capacities granted to a person or institution, such as the branches of government.
A person in an official uniform holding a large golden key, symbolizing authority.

Examples

El presidente tiene poderes especiales durante la emergencia nacional.

The president has special powers during the national emergency.

Los tres poderes del Estado son el ejecutivo, el legislativo y el judicial.

The three branches (powers) of the State are the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

El presidente tiene amplios poderes para tomar decisiones rápidas.

The president has ample powers to make quick decisions.

Always Plural

Remember that 'poderes' is the plural form of 'poder' (power/authority). It is always masculine and requires masculine plural articles (los, unos).

alimenta

/ah-lee-MEN-tah//aliˈmenta/

verbA2
Use 'alimenta' (from the verb 'alimentar') when you mean 'powers' in the sense of supplying energy, fuel, or sustenance to something, like a machine or living being.
A small bird being fed seeds from a person's open hand.

Examples

La energía solar alimenta la casa.

Solar energy powers the house.

Ella alimenta a los pájaros en el parque.

She feeds the birds in the park.

Esta batería alimenta todo el sistema.

This battery powers the whole system.

Su actitud alimenta el conflicto.

His attitude fuels the conflict.

One word, two roles

'Alimenta' can be a statement ('He feeds') or a direct command to a friend ('Feed!'). Context tells you which is which.

Using 'Se'

When talking about what an animal eats as a habit, we say 'se alimenta de' (it feeds on) instead of just 'come' (it eats).

Feed a Person vs. Feed a Feeling

Mistake: “Only using it for food.”

Correction: Use it for batteries, power, and emotions too! It's much broader than just 'eating'.

Authority vs. Energy

The most common mistake is using 'alimenta' when referring to authority or control. Remember, 'alimenta' is about providing energy or sustenance, while 'poderes' refers to official power or ability.

Related Translations

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