director
/diɾeɡˈtoɾ/masculine
The English word conductor is translated into Spanish as director.
In a musical context, the word refers to the person who conducts an orchestra, a choir or another type of music ensemble.
Meaning: person who conducts an orchestra, choir or other music ensemble (noun)
Which one should you use?
Be careful with the English word conductor as it is a false friend. While director means a musical conductor, it can also mean a director or a manager in business and film settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, director is a common preferred term. In Mexico, both director de orquesta and conductor are widely used to mean conductor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is director, but if you are referring to a female conductor, use the feminine form directora.
How do you pronounce it?
/diɾeɡˈtoɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the Spanish word conductor to refer to a musical conductor. In Spanish, conductor refers to someone who drives a vehicle or a material that conducts electricity.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'conductor' can describe a train employee, a Spanish conductor specifically refers to the person steering the vehicle, not the person collecting tickets.
- If you are in a science lab and need to discuss a material that carries electricity, you would use the word conductor in Spanish, just as you would in English.
- The term director shares its roots with the English word 'direct', both coming from the Latin 'dīrectus', meaning 'straight' or 'right'.
Examples in context
- Un director dirige una orquesta.A conductor directs an orchestra.This sentence shows how a director directs an orchestra.Tatoeba #1418932 by marcelostockle, translation #246256 by CK
- El director apareció en el escenario.The conductor appeared on the stage.This sentence describes the director appearing on stage.Tatoeba #1418931 by marcelostockle, translation #246254 by CK
- Al que guía la orquesta se le llama director.The one in charge of the orchestra is called the conductor.This sentence explains that the person leading the orchestra is called a director.Tatoeba #1713554 by marcelostockle, translation #3764938 by cromwellt
- El director de la orquesta es muy talentosoThe conductor of the orchestra is very talented
- El maestro de música dirige con gran pasiónThe music conductor leads with great passion
- El director de orquesta dirige con maestríaThe conductor directs with mastery
- Nuestro director de banda es muy talentosoOur conductor is very talented
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at a concert hall.
- DanielEl director es muy talentoso.The conductor is very talented.
- ElenaSí, Daniel, su técnica es increíble.Yes, Daniel, his technique is incredible.
- Daniel¿Has visto al director antes?Have you seen the conductor before?
- ElenaNo, es la primera vez que lo veo.No, it is the first time I am seeing him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conductor” translations and entries director, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries director, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
