How to Say "spokesperson" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “spokesperson” is “portavoz” — use this for a general person officially speaking on behalf of any group, company, or organization.
portavoz
por-tah-BOHSpoɾtaˈβoθ
Examples
La portavoz del partido respondió a las preguntas de la prensa.
The party spokesperson answered the press's questions.
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.
representante
reh-preh-sehn-TAHN-tehre.pɾe.senˈtan.te
Examples
El representante de los estudiantes presentó nuestras quejas.
The students' representative presented our complaints.
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.'
vocero
bo-SEH-rohboˈseɾo
Examples
El vocero presidencial aclaró la situación económica.
The presidential spokesperson clarified the economic situation.
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.
embajador
em-bah-hah-DORem.ba.xaˈðoɾ
Examples
Ella es la embajadora de la marca de moda.
She is the ambassador for the fashion brand.
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.
vocal
bo-KALboˈkal
Examples
El vocal explicó la decisión del comité.
The board member explained the committee's decision.
Él fue nombrado vocal del comité de vecinos.
He was appointed as a board member of the neighborhood committee.
La vocal de la asociación presentó las nuevas reglas.
The board member of the association presented the new rules.
Necesitamos tres vocales para que la votación sea válida.
We need three voting members for the vote to be valid.
Gender remains the same
The word 'vocal' doesn't change its ending for men or women. We use 'el' or 'la' to show the gender.
Confusing with 'Vocalist'
Mistake: “Él es el vocal de la banda.”
Correction: Él es el vocalista de la banda.
interlocutor
een-ter-lo-koo-tohrinteɾlokuˈtoɾ
Examples
Mi interlocutor en la reunión era muy difícil de convencer.
My counterpart in the meeting was very difficult to convince.
Mi interlocutor no parecía convencido por mis argumentos.
The person I was talking to didn't seem convinced by my arguments.
Es necesario buscar un interlocutor válido para resolver el conflicto.
It is necessary to find a valid representative to resolve the conflict.
Un buen interlocutor sabe escuchar antes de responder.
A good conversation partner knows how to listen before responding.
Describing Roles in Conversation
This word describes a role rather than a fixed identity. You become someone's 'interlocutor' the moment you start talking to them.
Gender Changes
While this entry focuses on the masculine form, if you are talking to a woman, you must change the ending to 'interlocutora'.
Interlocutor vs. Locutor
Mistake: “Using 'locutor' to mean a partner in a conversation.”
Correction: Use 'interlocutor' for your partner; 'locutor' is specifically for a radio or TV host.
General vs. Specific Roles
Related Translations
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