How to Say "representative" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “representative” is “representante” — use this general term when someone is acting officially on behalf of a group, company, or organization, such as a delegate in a congress.
representante
reh-preh-sehn-TAHN-tehre.pɾe.senˈtan.te
Examples
Cada estado envía un representante al congreso.
Each state sends a representative to the congress.
Necesitas hablar con el representante de servicio al cliente.
You need to speak with the customer service representative.
La representante legal de la empresa firmó los documentos.
The company's legal representative signed the documents.
Gender Flexibility
This noun's form ('representante') never changes, regardless of whether the person is male or female. You simply change the article: 'el representante' (male) or 'la representante' (female).
Confusing 'Representante' and 'Representación'
Mistake: “Using 'la representante' when you mean the concept of 'representation' (la representación).”
Correction: 'Representante' is the person. 'Representación' is the act or concept. 'La representación de los trabajadores es crucial.'
delegado
deh-leh-GAH-dohdeleˈɣaðo
Examples
Juan fue elegido delegado de su clase.
Juan was elected as his class representative.
El delegado sindical habló con los trabajadores sobre el nuevo contrato.
The union delegate spoke with the workers about the new contract.
Los delegados internacionales se reunirán mañana para votar.
The international delegates will meet tomorrow to vote.
People and Gender
This word refers to a male person. To talk about a female representative, use 'la delegada' instead.
Acting for Others
Think of a 'delegado' as a bridge; they are chosen to carry the voice and decisions of a larger group to a higher level.
Don't confuse with 'delegación'
Mistake: “Hablé con la delegado.”
Correction: Hablé con el delegado (for a man) or Hablé con la delegada (for a woman). Use 'delegación' for the group or the office, not the person.
agente
ah-HEN-tehaˈxente
Examples
Mi agente de viajes me consiguió un vuelo muy barato.
My travel agent got me a very cheap flight.
La agente de bienes raíces nos mostró una casa preciosa.
The real estate agent showed us a beautiful house.
Necesito hablar con un agente de seguros sobre mi póliza.
I need to speak with an insurance agent about my policy.
A Noun That Can Be Masculine or Feminine
'Agente' is what we call a 'common gender' noun. The word itself doesn't change, but the little word before it (the article) tells you if you're talking about a man (el agente) or a woman (la agente).
vocero
bo-SEH-rohboˈseɾo
Examples
El vocero del gobierno anunció las nuevas medidas.
The government spokesperson announced the new measures.
Necesitamos un vocero que hable con la prensa.
We need a spokesperson to talk to the press.
Él actúa como vocero de los estudiantes.
He acts as a spokesperson for the students.
The Root Connection
This word comes from 'voz' (voice). Think of a 'vocero' as the official voice of a group.
Gender Matching
While this entry is for 'vocero' (referring to a man), remember to change the ending to 'a' (vocera) if you are talking about a woman.
Confusing with 'Hablador'
Mistake: “Using 'hablador' to mean a spokesperson.”
Correction: Use 'vocero' for an official role. 'Hablador' usually means someone who talks too much or is a gossip.
portavoz
por-tah-BOHSpoɾtaˈβoθ
Examples
Ella es la portavoz oficial del gobierno.
She is the official government spokesperson.
Necesitamos elegir un portavoz para que hable con el jefe.
We need to choose a spokesperson to talk to the boss.
El portavoz del sindicato anunció la huelga.
The union spokesperson announced the strike.
One word, two genders
The word itself doesn't change its ending. To show if you're talking about a man or a woman, just change the word 'the' or 'a' before it: 'el portavoz' (male) or 'la portavoz' (female).
The plural 'Z' rule
When words end in 'z' in Spanish, they change the 'z' to a 'c' before adding 'es' for the plural. So, one 'portavoz' becomes many 'portavoces'.
The 'Portavoza' Error
Mistake: “Using 'la portavoza' to refer to a female spokesperson.”
Correction: Say 'la portavoz'. While 'portavoza' is occasionally used in some political circles to emphasize gender, 'la portavoz' is the standard and widely accepted form for everyone.
diputado
dee-poo-tah-dohdipuˈtaðo
Examples
El diputado dio un discurso muy largo.
The representative gave a very long speech.
Necesitamos hablar con nuestro diputado sobre el nuevo parque.
We need to speak with our representative about the new park.
La Cámara de Diputados votará la ley mañana por la mañana.
The Chamber of Deputies will vote on the law tomorrow morning.
False Friend Alert
Although it looks like the English word 'deputy,' it almost never refers to a 'police deputy.' In Spanish, it is specifically a political role.
Using the Word for the Group
When talking about the entire group of these officials, Spanish uses the phrase 'Cámara de Diputados,' which is equivalent to the 'House of Representatives' in the US.
Confusion with Police Roles
Mistake: “El diputado arrestó al criminal.”
Correction: El ayudante del sheriff arrestó al criminal. 'Diputado' is a politician, not a police officer.
mánager
Examples
El mánager del cantante canceló la gira.
The singer's manager cancelled the tour.
embajador
em-bah-hah-DORem.ba.xaˈðoɾ
Examples
El famoso chef es el embajador de nuestra nueva línea de productos orgánicos.
The famous chef is the ambassador for our new line of organic products.
Ella se ha convertido en la embajadora de la cultura española en Asia.
She has become the representative/spokesperson for Spanish culture in Asia.
Figurative Extension
This meaning uses the formal title metaphorically. It describes someone who is the 'face' or main promoter of an idea, brand, or cause, not necessarily a government official.
representativo
re-pre-sen-ta-TEE-borepɾesenˈtatiβo
Examples
Este cuadro es representativo de su estilo.
This painting is representative of his style.
Necesitamos una muestra representativa de los ciudadanos.
We need a representative sample of the citizens.
El color rojo es muy representativo de esta marca.
The color red is very characteristic of this brand.
Matching the Noun
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match what you are describing. Use 'representativo' for masculine words (el grupo) and 'representativa' for feminine words (la muestra).
Where to Put It
This word usually follows the noun it describes, like most descriptive adjectives in Spanish (e.g., 'un ejemplo representativo').
Adjective vs. Person
Mistake: “Soy el representativo de la empresa.”
Correction: Soy el representante de la empresa.
simbólico
Examples
La paloma es un pájaro simbólico de la paz.
The dove is a symbolic bird of peace.
icono
ee-KOH-nohiˈkono
Examples
Haz doble clic en el icono para abrir el programa.
Double-click the icon to open the program.
Ella es un icono de la moda en todo el mundo.
She is a fashion icon all over the world.
El museo tiene una colección de iconos religiosos antiguos.
The museum has a collection of ancient religious icons.
Gender remains masculine
The word 'icono' is always masculine ('el icono'), even if you are using it to describe a woman (e.g., 'Ella es un icono').
Plural form
To make it plural, just add an -s: 'los iconos'.
The 'Icono' vs 'Ícono' confusion
Mistake: “Thinking 'ícono' is always wrong.”
Correction: In Spain, 'icono' (no accent) is preferred. In Latin America, 'ícono' (with an accent) is more common. Both are accepted by the official Spanish language academy.
Noun vs. Adjective Confusion
Related Translations
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