Inklingo

How to Say "steward" in Spanish

English → Spanish

azafato

/ah-sah-FAH-toh//asaˈfato/

nounA2general
Use this term specifically for a male flight attendant on an airplane.
A friendly male flight attendant in a professional blue uniform standing in an airplane aisle holding a small tray with a glass of water.

Examples

El azafato nos dio las instrucciones de seguridad.

The flight attendant gave us the safety instructions.

El azafato es muy amable.

The flight attendant is very kind.

Mi hermano trabaja como azafato en una aerolínea internacional.

My brother works as a flight attendant for an international airline.

El azafato nos ayudó con las maletas de mano.

The flight attendant helped us with our carry-on bags.

Matching the Person

Since this word ends in '-o', it is used only for men. If you are talking about a woman, you must use the word 'azafata'.

Job Titles and Gender

In Spanish, most jobs change their ending depending on the person's gender. 'Azafato' is the specific male form of this profession.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “El azafata es alto.”

Correction: El azafato es alto. Because the person is a man ('el'), you must use the masculine ending '-o'.

camarero

kah-mah-REH-roh/kamaˈɾeɾo/

nounB1general
This word refers to an attendant who serves passengers on a ship or train, or a waiter in a restaurant.
A person in a professional uniform, serving as a flight steward, standing in the aisle of an airplane cabin next to a service cart.

Examples

El camarero del tren nos ofreció bebidas.

The train steward offered us drinks.

El camarero del barco nos mostró nuestra cabina.

The ship steward showed us our cabin.

Pedimos al camarero del tren que nos trajera mantas extra.

We asked the train attendant to bring us extra blankets.

Service Role

This meaning emphasizes the general role of serving or attending to people, usually in a setting that involves travel or lodging, linking back to the idea of a 'room' (cámara).

mayordomo

/mah-yor-DOH-moh//maʝorˈðomo/

nounC1formal
Employ this word for someone who organizes or presides over a festival, a group, or a specific event, like a village festival.
A man in traditional festive clothing leading a colorful parade.

Examples

Fue el mayordomo de la boda quien coordinó todo.

The steward of the wedding was the one who coordinated everything.

Él fue elegido como mayordomo de la fiesta del pueblo.

He was chosen as the steward for the town festival.

Flight Attendant vs. Ship/Train Attendant

The most common confusion is between 'azafato' and 'camarero'. Remember that 'azafato' is exclusively for flight attendants, while 'camarero' can refer to attendants on ships or trains, but also more broadly to waiters.

Related Translations

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