Inklingo

How to Say "the authorities" in Spanish

English → Spanish

autoridad

au-to-ri-DAD/aw.to.ɾiˈðað/

nounB1general
Use 'las autoridades' when referring to the police or other official bodies you would contact in an emergency or for official matters.
A simple illustration of a formal, official building entrance guarded symmetrically by two uniformed figures, representing the authorities.

Examples

Si pierdes tu pasaporte, debes reportarlo a las autoridades.

If you lose your passport, you must report it to the authorities.

Llamamos a las autoridades después del accidente.

We called the authorities (the police/officials) after the accident.

Ella es considerada una autoridad mundial en física cuántica.

She is considered a world authority/expert on quantum physics.

La autoridad municipal decidió cerrar el parque.

The municipal authority (the city officials) decided to close the park.

Singular vs. Plural

When talking about the police or government officials, Spanish often uses the plural form: 'las autoridades' (the authorities). However, when referring to one expert, the singular 'una autoridad' is correct.

Using 'autoridad' to mean 'the police'

Mistake: “Llamamos la policía (Correct, but less formal).”

Correction: Llamamos a las autoridades (More formal and encompassing). Use 'las autoridades' when referring to the official bodies collectively.

administración

nounB2formal
Use 'la administración' when referring to the people in charge of an organization or government, focusing on their role as administrators or managers.

Examples

La administración decidió implementar nuevas políticas de seguridad.

The administration decided to implement new security policies.

Autoridad vs. Administración

Learners often confuse 'autoridad' and 'administración'. Remember that 'autoridad' usually refers to law enforcement or official bodies you interact with directly, while 'administración' points to the management or governing structure.

Related Translations

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