Inklingo

How to Say "reporter" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “reporter” is “periodista” — use 'periodista' when referring to a journalist in a general sense, or when the gender is unknown or irrelevant, as it is a gender-neutral term..

English → Spanish

periodista

pe-rio-DIS-ta/pe.ɾjoˈðis.ta/

nounA2general
Use 'periodista' when referring to a journalist in a general sense, or when the gender is unknown or irrelevant, as it is a gender-neutral term.
A stylized illustration of a professional journalist wearing a simple suit jacket, holding a large silver microphone up to their mouth, ready to report the news.

Examples

El periodista investigó a fondo el caso.

The journalist investigated the case thoroughly.

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-roh//re.poˈte.ɾo/

nounA2general
Use 'reportero' when specifically referring to a male journalist who gathers news, or 'reportera' for a female journalist.
A drawing of a man dressed professionally, holding a microphone close to his mouth and a small notepad in the other hand, actively reporting news.

Examples

El reportero transmitió en vivo desde la zona del desastre.

The reporter broadcast live from the disaster zone.

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.

Gender Specificity: Reportero vs. Periodista

Learners often incorrectly use 'reportero' for any journalist. Remember that 'periodista' is gender-neutral and the most common term. Use 'reportero' (male) or 'reportera' (female) only when the gender is known and relevant to the context.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.