gobierno
/ɡoˈbjeɾno/masculine
The English word 'government' is gobierno in Spanish.
gobierno refers to a body with the power to make and/or enforce laws. You can use it to specify different levels of authority, such as gobierno central (central government), gobierno local (local government) or gobierno estatal (state government). Related concepts in discussion include política (politics), ley (law), educación (education) and salud (health).
Meaning: body with the power to make and/or enforce laws (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
gobierno is a masculine noun. To express the plural 'governments', use gobiernos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡoˈbjeɾno/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the verb gobernar to describe not just ruling a country, but also managing a household or a business with a firm hand.
- While 'government' in English can refer to the abstract concept of governing, in many Spanish-speaking countries, el gobierno specifically refers to the current administration or the group of people in power.
- The word gobierno is derived from the Old Spanish gouierno and shares a common ancestor with the Late Latin gubernus.
Examples in context
- Aún no hay gobierno.There's still no government.This sentence is useful for stating that a government does not yet exist using gobierno.Tatoeba #11915213 by Seael, translation #13425476 by rul
- El gobierno fue derrocado.The government was overthrown.This sentence is useful for describing how a gobierno was overthrown.Tatoeba #1292303 by Shishir, translation #271490 by CK
- Ellos crearon un gobierno.They created a government.This sentence is useful for describing the creation of a gobierno.Tatoeba #1387634 by marcelostockle, translation #802177 by Source_VOA
- El gobierno está trabajando en una nueva ley de educación.The government is working on a new education law.
- El gobierno ha implementado medidas para mejorar la economía.The government has implemented measures to improve the economy.
- 162 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a news report.
- JavierEl gobierno anunció una nueva ley.The government announced a new law.
- Elena¿De verdad lo hizo el gobierno?Did the government really do it?
- JavierSí, es una decisión del gobierno.Yes, it is a decision from the government.
- ElenaEspero que el gobierno actúe bien.I hope the government acts well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “government” translations and entries gobierno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gobierno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
