How to Say "supporter" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “supporter” is “fanático” — use this word when referring to a very enthusiastic fan of a sports team or sometimes a celebrity, often implying a deep emotional connection.
fanático
Examples
Mi primo es un fanático del fútbol y nunca se pierde un partido.
My cousin is a football fanatic and never misses a game.
partidario
par-tee-DAH-ryohpaɾtiˈdaɾjo
Examples
Los partidarios del nuevo proyecto se mostraron muy optimistas.
The supporters of the new project appeared very optimistic.
Los partidarios del candidato se reunieron en la plaza principal.
The candidate's supporters gathered in the main square.
A pesar de la derrota, sus partidarios siguieron mostrándole lealtad.
Despite the defeat, his followers continued to show him loyalty.
El dictador no permitía que sus partidarios cuestionaran sus decisiones.
The dictator did not allow his supporters to question his decisions.
Nouns and Gender
As a person noun, it changes based on who you are talking about: 'un partidario' (a male supporter) or 'una partidaria' (a female supporter).
Partidario vs. Fan
Mistake: “Soy un partidario de este cantante.”
Correction: Soy un fan/seguidor de este cantante. (Use 'partidario' for ideas, politics, or beliefs, rather than pop culture celebrities.)
seguidor
seh-ghee-DOHRseɣiˈðoɾ
Examples
La política tiene miles de seguidores en redes sociales.
The politician has thousands of followers on social media.
Ella tiene más de un millón de seguidores en su cuenta.
She has more than a million followers on her account.
Soy un fiel seguidor de ese equipo de fútbol desde niño.
I have been a loyal fan of that soccer team since I was a child.
El candidato habló ante una multitud de seguidores.
The candidate spoke before a crowd of supporters.
The '-dor' ending
In Spanish, adding '-dor' to a verb root is a common way to describe a person who performs that action. Here, 'seguir' (to follow) becomes 'seguidor' (follower).
Making it plural
Since the word ends in a consonant (r), you simply add '-es' to the end to talk about more than one person: 'seguidores'.
Confusing 'follower' with 'next'
Mistake: “Using 'seguidor' to mean 'the next day'.”
Correction: Use 'siguiente' for 'next' and 'seguidor' only for a person who follows someone else.
defensor
deh-fen-SOHRdefenˈsoɾ
Examples
Ella es una gran defensora de la educación pública.
She is a great defender of public education.
Él es un firme defensor de los derechos de los animales.
He is a firm advocate for animal rights.
El abogado actuó como el defensor del acusado.
The lawyer acted as the defender of the accused.
Linking with 'de'
To show what someone is defending, use the word 'de' right after 'defensor'. For example: 'defensor de la paz' (defender of peace).
Gender Matching
Mistake: “María es un defensor.”
Correction: María es una defensora.
animador
ah-nee-mah-DORanimaˈðoɾ
Examples
Los animadores de la grada no pararon de cantar.
The supporters in the stands did not stop singing.
Los animadores del equipo local llevaban banderas grandes.
The local team's cheerleaders were carrying large flags.
Él es el animador principal del grupo de animación.
He is the lead cheerleader of the cheerleading squad.
Choosing between 'partidario' and 'fanático'
Related Translations
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