How to Say "superintendent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “superintendent” is “superintendente” — use 'superintendente' when referring to a high-ranking official in charge of a project, operation, or organization, such as a construction site manager or a school district superintendent.
superintendente
soo-peh-reen-tehn-DEHN-tehsupeɾintendenˈte
Examples
El superintendente de la obra revisó los planos esta mañana.
The construction superintendent reviewed the blueprints this morning.
La nueva superintendente de policía prometió mejorar la seguridad.
The new police superintendent promised to improve safety.
Debemos enviar un informe directamente al superintendente regional.
We must send a report directly to the regional superintendent.
One word for everyone
This word doesn't change its ending for men or women. To show gender, just change the 'the' before it: 'el superintendente' for a man and 'la superintendente' for a woman.
Formal address
When speaking to a superintendent, it is common to include their title before their last name to show respect.
Avoid 'Superintendenta'
Mistake: “La superintendenta de la escuela.”
Correction: La superintendente de la escuela. While some regions are starting to use the 'a' ending, the standard and most professional form for both genders ends in 'e'.
comisario
koh-mee-SAH-ree-ohko.miˈsa.ɾjo
Examples
El comisario de policía dio una rueda de prensa sobre el robo.
The police commissioner gave a press conference about the robbery.
Necesitamos la autorización del comisario para entrar en esa zona.
We need the chief inspector's authorization to enter that area.
Gender Match
Since 'comisario' is a job title, remember to use the feminine form, 'comisaria', when referring to a woman, and adjust the articles and adjectives accordingly (e.g., 'la comisaria', 'una comisaria nueva').
inspector
een-spek-TORinspekˈtoɾ
Examples
El inspector de hacienda revisó todas las cuentas de la empresa.
The tax inspector reviewed all the company's accounts.
Tuvimos que llamar al inspector de obras para que apruebe la remodelación.
We had to call the building inspector so he could approve the remodeling.
La inspectora de policía llegó inmediatamente a la escena.
The police investigator (female) arrived immediately at the scene.
Making it Feminine
Since this word ends in '-or', you add an 'a' to make it feminine: 'inspector' (male) becomes 'inspectora' (female). The articles must also match: 'el inspector' or 'la inspectora'.
Confusing Roles
Mistake: “Usando 'inspector' para alguien que está mirando algo casualmente.”
Correction: Use 'inspector' only for official roles involving a formal check. For casual looking, use 'mirador' or simply describe the action: 'la persona que estaba mirando'.
Police vs. General Manager
Related Translations
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