dominio
/doˈminjo/masculine
The English phrase "dominion" is translated into Spanish as dominio.
dominio refers to power, the use of power or sovereignty over something. It is also used to describe a person's mastery or command over a specific subject or skill.
Meaning: power or the use of power, sovereignty over something (noun)
Which one should you use?
While dominio can mean sovereignty or control, it is often used in a more technical or academic sense (like 'mastery') compared to the more political soberanía.
How do you pronounce it?
/doˈminjo/
Did you know?
- While dominio can mean 'mastery', it is also the standard word for 'domain' when talking about websites and the internet.
- While dominio refers to mastery, the word for a 'dominant' personality is dominante. Using dominio to describe a person's character would instead suggest they have great self-control.
- Spanish uses dominio to describe the 'command' of a language, such as dominio del inglés, whereas English speakers typically say 'fluency'.
Examples in context
- Tengo dominio sobre esta propiedad.I have dominion over this property.
- Se le otorgó el dominio absoluto de la empresa.He/She was granted absolute dominion over the company.
- El país recuperó su soberanía sobre las islas.The country regained its dominion over the islands.
- El gobierno ejerce su soberanía sobre el territorio nacional.The government exercises its dominion over the national territory.
- Tengo control sobre la situación.I have dominion/control over the situation.
- No puedes tener tanto control sobre mi vida.You can't have so much dominion/control over my life.
- Él tiene el mando total sobre el equipo.He has total dominion/leadership over the team.
- Tiene un gran dominio del inglés.He has a great command of English.
- El rey mantenía su dominio sobre la región.The king maintained his dominion over the region.
- Ella demostró un gran dominio de la situación.She demonstrated a great mastery of the situation.
- El imperio perdió su dominio territorial.The empire lost its territorial dominion.
Example conversation
Two history students are discussing an ancient civilization.
- AlejandroEste rey buscaba expandir su dominio rápidamente.This king sought to expand his dominion quickly.
- ElenaSí, pero su dominio duró muy poco tiempo.Yes, but his dominion lasted a very short time.
- AlejandroFue derrotado por un ejército más fuerte.He was defeated by a stronger army.
- ElenaEs fascinante cómo cambia el poder.It's fascinating how power changes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dominion” translations and entries dominio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
