Inklingo

How to Say "superintendent" in Spanish

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comisario

koh-mee-SAH-ree-oh/ko.miˈsa.ɾjo/

nounB1police management
Use 'comisario' when referring to a high-ranking police official, often the chief or head of a police force or department.
A high-ranking police officer in a formal blue uniform with prominent gold insignia on the shoulders, standing authoritatively.

Examples

El comisario general supervisó el operativo de seguridad.

The police commissioner supervised the security operation.

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-TOR/inspekˈtoɾ/

nounB1police rank
Use 'inspector' for someone who officially examines or inspects something, such as a tax inspector, building inspector, or a lower-ranking police officer.
A character wearing a simple official uniform jacket and a peaked cap, holding a large magnifying glass and intently examining a clipboard.

Examples

El inspector de trabajo visitó la fábrica para verificar las condiciones laborales.

The labor inspector visited the factory to check working conditions.

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 Inspection

Learners often confuse 'comisario' and 'inspector' because both can relate to authority. Remember that 'comisario' is almost exclusively for high-ranking police leadership, while 'inspector' has a broader application, including non-police roles and lower police ranks.

Related Translations

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