How to Say "proxy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “proxy” is “procurador” — use 'procurador' when referring to someone legally appointed to act on another's behalf, especially in court proceedings or official representation.
procurador
pro-koo-rah-DORpɾokuɾaˈðoɾ
Examples
El procurador presentó los documentos ante el juzgado esta mañana.
The court representative submitted the documents to the court this morning.
En España, necesitas tanto un abogado como un procurador para ir a juicio.
In Spain, you need both a lawyer and a court representative to go to trial.
Ella trabaja como procuradora de los tribunales en Madrid.
She works as a court representative in the Madrid courts.
Abogado vs. Procurador
In many Spanish-speaking legal systems, an 'abogado' is the lawyer who argues your case, while a 'procurador' is the specialist who handles the official paperwork and communicates with the court.
Gender and Roles
To refer to a woman in this role, use 'la procuradora'. Even though the role ends in -dor, it follows the standard pattern for people and professions.
Don't just say 'Lawyer'
Mistake: “Using 'procurador' as a general translation for any lawyer.”
Correction: Use 'abogado' for a general lawyer. Use 'procurador' only when referring to the specific person managing the court procedure.
mandatario
man-dah-TAH-ryohman.da.ˈta.ɾjo
Examples
El mandatario firmó el contrato en mi nombre.
The proxy signed the contract on my behalf.
Actuó como mandatario en la gestión de la herencia.
He acted as a representative in managing the inheritance.
The Mandate Connection
This word comes from the idea of receiving an order (a mandate). The person giving the order is the 'mandante,' and the one carrying it out is the 'mandatario'.
poderes
po-DEH-respoˈðeɾes
Examples
Necesitamos los poderes notariales para completar la venta de la propiedad.
We need the notarized power of attorney to complete the sale of the property.
El abogado presentó sus poderes ante el juez.
The lawyer presented his credentials (or authorization) before the judge.
Legal Phrase
When used in a legal context, 'poderes' often appears with adjectives like 'notariales' (notarized) or 'legales' (legal) to specify the type of official authorization.
Person vs. Document
Related Translations
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