How to Say "reporter" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “reporter” is “periodista” — use 'periodista' for a general term for a journalist, especially one covering specific events or fields, and it's a good default when unsure.
periodista
pe-rio-DIS-tape.ɾjoˈðis.ta
Examples
La periodista cubana ganó un premio por su reportaje.
The Cuban journalist (female) won an award for her report.
El periodista deportivo entrevistó al futbolista después del partido.
The sports reporter (male) interviewed the soccer player after the match.
Muchos periodistas esperan fuera del tribunal.
Many reporters are waiting outside the courthouse.
Gender is Fixed, Article Changes
This word ends in -ista, which means the spelling stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. The small word before it (the article) tells you the gender: 'el periodista' (male) or 'la periodista' (female).
Don't Change the Ending
Mistake: “La periodisto”
Correction: La periodista. Unlike many Spanish nouns, you do not change the 'a' to 'o' for a male journalist or vice versa. The ending is always '-ista'.
reportero
rreh-poh-TEH-rohre.poˈte.ɾo
Examples
El reportero hizo muchas preguntas sobre el incendio.
The reporter asked many questions about the fire.
Necesitamos enviar a un reportero al extranjero para cubrir la cumbre.
We need to send a correspondent overseas to cover the summit.
Mi tío es reportero deportivo, viaja mucho con los equipos.
My uncle is a sports reporter; he travels a lot with the teams.
Gender Pairing
Since 'reportero' ends in -o, it is masculine. To refer to a female reporter, you change the ending to -a: 'reportera'.
Confusing Reportero and Reportaje
Mistake: “Using 'el reportaje' when you mean 'the reporter'.”
Correction: 'Reportero' is the person. 'Reportaje' (the report/story) is the thing they create. They are related, but different nouns.
corresponsal
koh-rehs-pohn-SAHLko.res.ponˈsal
Examples
Ella es la corresponsal de la cadena en Londres.
She is the network's correspondent in London.
El corresponsal de guerra envió un informe desde el frente.
The war correspondent sent a report from the front lines.
Necesitamos hablar con el corresponsal bancario en Nueva York.
We need to speak with the correspondent banker in New York.
One Word, Two Genders
This word stays the same for both men and women. To show gender, just change the word before it: 'el corresponsal' (male) or 'la corresponsal' (female).
Placement of the description
When adding a specialty like 'war' or 'foreign,' it usually comes after the word: 'corresponsal de guerra'.
Avoid 'corresponsala'
Mistake: “La corresponsala informó sobre la noticia.”
Correction: La corresponsal informó sobre la noticia. (Even for women, the word ends in -al.)
Reportero vs. Periodista
Related Translations
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