Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| líder | /ˈlideɾ/ | feminine, masculine |
| dirigente | /diɾiˈxente/ | masculine |
| caudillo | /kauˈdiʝo/ | masculine |
The primary term for someone having authority is líder. Other specific terms include dirigente for those guiding organizations, caudillo for historical military or political figures and capitán which can mean a captain or be used metaphorically for a team leader.
Which one should you use?
While líder is a general term, dirigente often refers specifically to an executive or leader of a political party, labor union or formal organization. In contrast, caudillo refers to a charismatic military or political leader, often carrying a connotation of a 'strongman' figure common in Latin American history.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, particularly regarding indigenous communities, the word cacique is used to describe a tribal or community leader.
How does it change in a sentence?
Líder is common gender, so you indicate the gender of the person by changing the article (el/la) rather than the word itself. The plural form of líder is líderes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlideɾ/
Did you know?
- The word líder is actually a loanword from English. While it looks and sounds very similar to the English 'leader', it was adopted into Spanish rather than being a native Romance word.
- Using the word caudillo today can be highly controversial due to its association with Francisco Franco's dictatorship in Spain.
- In some Latin American contexts, cacique has shifted from meaning a tribal leader to describing a local political boss who controls votes through influence.
Examples in context
- Tom es el líder.Tom is the leader.This sentence demonstrates the use of líder to identify a person.Tatoeba #1713637 by marcelostockle, translation #1415518 by Spamster
- Llévenme con su líder.Take me to your leader.This sentence shows how to use líder when asking to meet someone in charge.Tatoeba #2504965 by marcelostockle, translation #426003 by gall
- Él fue un líder forzado.He was a forceful leader.This sentence uses líder to describe a person who leads with force.Tatoeba #1387795 by marcelostockle, translation #802947 by Source_VOA
- El director de la compañía es un líder inspirador.The company's director is an inspiring leader.
- La dirigente del partido político es muy carismática.The leader of the political party is very charismatic.
- El caudillo encabezó la revolución y estableció un gobierno autoritario.The caudillo led the revolution and established an authoritarian government.
- Nuestro coordinador es un guía excepcional y nos ayuda a alcanzar nuestras metas.Our coordinator is an exceptional leader and helps us achieve our goals.
- El capitán del equipo es muy respetado por todos los jugadores.The team's captain is highly respected by all the players.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their new manager at work.
- Javier¿Quién es el nuevo líder?Who is the new leader?
- SofíaSofía es la líder de este departamento.Sofía is the leader of this department.
- JavierElla parece una líder muy estricta.She seems like a very strict leader.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, Javier, es muy amable.Don't worry, Javier, she is very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leader” translations and entries líder, dirigente, caudillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caudillo, dirigente, líder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
