How to Say "secretary" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “secretary” is “asistente” — use 'asistente' in many Latin American countries when referring to a personal assistant or someone who provides general support, especially in a more personal or executive capacity.
Use 'asistente' in many Latin American countries when referring to a personal assistant or someone who provides general support, especially in a more personal or executive capacity.
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Opt for 'secretario' when referring to a traditional office or administrative role, particularly for tasks involving record-keeping, correspondence, and general office management.
Learn more →ah-sees-TEN-teha.sisˈten.te
Examples
Mi asistente me ayuda a organizar todas las reuniones.
My assistant helps me organize all the meetings.
La asistente de vuelo nos dio instrucciones de seguridad.
The flight attendant gave us safety instructions.
Contratamos a un nuevo asistente legal la semana pasada.
We hired a new legal assistant last week.
Gender Flexibility
This word works for both men and women. You use 'el' for a male assistant (el asistente) and 'la' for a female assistant (la asistente).
Confusing 'Asistir' meanings
Mistake: “Using 'asistir' to mean 'to assist' in all contexts. While 'asistente' means 'assistant,' the verb 'asistir' usually means 'to attend' or 'to go to' (e.g., asistir a una clase).”
Correction: Use 'ayudar' for 'to help' or 'to assist' when the meaning is purely 'giving aid'.
se-kreh-TAH-ryosekɾeˈtaɾjo
Examples
El secretario organizó todos los documentos para la reunión de hoy.
The secretary organized all the documents for today's meeting.
Necesitamos hablar con el secretario de la facultad sobre las notas.
We need to speak with the department secretary about the grades.
Gender Change
Since 'secretario' is a person, it changes gender. If the person is a woman, you must say 'la secretaria' (which is a separate entry).
Confusing Roles
Mistake: “Using 'secretario' to mean 'a secret' (el secreto).”
Correction: Remember 'secretario' is the person who keeps the records; 'secreto' is the hidden information itself.
Asistente vs. Secretario
The most common mistake is using 'secretario' in Latin America where 'asistente' is more prevalent for personal or executive support. While 'secretario' is understood, 'asistente' often sounds more natural for these roles in those regions.
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