teniente
/teˈnjente/feminine, masculine
The Spanish word for lieutenant is teniente.
Teniente is used to refer to the lowest commissioned officer rank. It can function as a noun or as an adjective meaning military grade. When addressing a lieutenant formally, it is appropriate to use their rank followed by their last name, such as Teniente Rodríguez.
Meaning: lowest commissioned officer rank (noun)
Which one should you use?
While teniente is a common translation, lugarteniente can also represent lieutenant in formal contexts. In Mexico, the specific term subteniente is used to refer to a lieutenant in the army.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The term teniente can be used as both a masculine and feminine noun. When specifically mentioning a female lieutenant, you may use tenienta or teniente.
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈnjente/
Did you know?
- In certain legal contexts in Spanish, the term teniente can refer to a person who has temporary custody or possession of a property or child.
- In some historical Spanish contexts, a teniente was not just a military rank but a royal representative who managed a territory on behalf of the crown.
- The word teniente is actually a hidden form of the verb 'tener', which means 'to hold'. It literally describes someone who 'holds' a position or authority.
Examples in context
- Teniente, mi paciencia es más corta que mi espada.Lieutenant, my patience is shorter than my sword.This sentence is useful for seeing how to address a teniente directly.Tatoeba #5006806 by DarkHollow, translation #3226062 by Scott
- El teniente García lidera a sus hombres con valentía y disciplina.Lieutenant Garcia leads his men with courage and discipline.
- El lugarteniente Pérez fue asignado como enlace entre los dos países.Lieutenant Perez was assigned as a liaison between the two countries.
- El alférez Martínez ha sido ascendido a teniente.Lieutenant Martinez has been promoted to lieutenant.
- Mi amigo Juan es teniente de la policía.My friend Juan is a police lieutenant.
- El capitán Rodríguez informó al Tte. Sánchez sobre la situación actual.Captain Rodriguez briefed Lieutenant Sanchez on the current situation.
- Subteniente Ortiz, ¿puede dar la orden a su pelotón?Lieutenant Ortiz, can you give the order to your platoon?
- La tenienta Torres dirige con destreza a su equipo.Lieutenant Torres skillfully leads her team.
- Buenos días, Teniente Rodríguez. ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle hoy?Good morning, Lieutenant Rodriguez. How can I assist you today?
- El teniente llegó a la base hoy.The lieutenant arrived at the base today.
- Ella es una teniente muy valiente.She is a very brave lieutenant.
Example conversation
A police station where Daniel and Sofía are discussing a new assignment.
- DanielSofía, ¿sabes quién es la nueva teniente?Sofía, do you know who the new lieutenant is?
- SofíaNo, pero escuché que es muy estricta.No, but I heard she is very strict.
- DanielEspero que sea una buena teniente para el equipo.I hope she is a good lieutenant for the team.
- SofíaDaniel, solo espero que nos trate bien.Daniel, I just hope she treats us well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lieutenant” translations and entries teniente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries teniente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
