comisario
/komiˈsaɾjo/
The English word commissioner is translated into Spanish as comisario.
The term comisario is the standard way to refer to a police commissioner or police chief in many Spanish-speaking countries. More generally, it refers to someone who has been commissioned to perform certain duties.
Meaning: someone commissioned to perform certain duties (noun)
Which one should you use?
While comisario is the standard term for a police chief, the words comisionado and comisionada are formal translations for a commissioner used for males and females respectively.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is comisario. To refer to a female commissioner, use comisaria. For a group of male or mixed-gender commissioners, use the masculine plural comisarios. If the group consists only of female commissioners, use the feminine plural comisarias.
How do you pronounce it?
/komiˈsaɾjo/
Did you know?
- Outside of police work, a comisario can refer to a curator of an art museum or an exhibition, similar to the English word 'curator'.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone a comisario can be used as a sarcastic or slang way to address a friend who is acting like a bossy authority figure.
- In some Latin American legal systems, a comisario may act as a court-appointed representative or auditor for a company, a role entirely separate from law enforcement.
Examples in context
- ¡No fui yo, comisario!It wasn't me, commissioner!This sentence shows how to address a commissioner directly.Tatoeba #2743 by Shishir, translation #1552 by kebukebu
- Usted se atrevió a contradecirme dos veces ante el Comisario.You have twice dared to contradict me in front of the commissioner.This sentence demonstrates using the word as a title when referring to someone in a formal context.Tatoeba #989337 by hayastan, translation #1386689 by quickfitter
- El comisionado de seguridad informó sobre los últimos avances en la investigación.The commissioner of security reported on the latest developments in the investigation.
- El delegado de derechos humanos presentó su informe ante la Asamblea General.The human rights commissioner presented his report to the General Assembly.
- El comisario entregó el informe detallado.The commissioner delivered the detailed report.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing a legal appointment at an office.
- LucíaMateo, ¿has hablado con el nuevo comisario?Mateo, have you spoken with the new commissioner?
- MateoTodavía no, Lucía, pero lo veré mañana.Not yet, Lucía, but I will see him tomorrow.
- LucíaEs un cargo muy importante para la ciudad.It is a very important position for the city.
- MateoTienes razón, espero que haga un buen trabajo.You are right, I hope he does a good job.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comisario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
