oficial
/ofiˈθjal/
The English word official translates to oficial in Spanish.
The adjective oficial means approved by authority.
Meaning: approved by authority (adj)
Which one should you use?
While oficial is used as an adjective meaning 'approved by authority', the noun for a person holding an office or a government official is funcionario.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective oficial is gender-neutral and remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of the adjective oficial is oficiales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ofiˈθjal/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, oficial can be a noun referring to a non-commissioned officer in the military or a skilled tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you call someone a funcionario, it can carry a slightly negative connotation of being a slow or rigid bureaucrat.
- In Spanish legal documents, an acta oficial is a formal record, but the verb oficializar is used specifically to make a process or relationship legally binding.
Examples in context
- Esta noticia es oficial.This news is official.This sentence shows how to use oficial to describe news.Tatoeba #831296 by LugoIlmer, translation #57159 by CK
- Está muerto. Es oficial.He's dead. It's official.This sentence uses oficial to confirm a fact.Tatoeba #1469573 by marcelostockle, translation #1112470 by Scott
- Este es el sitio oficial.This is the official website.This sentence shows how to use oficial to describe a website.Tatoeba #1671825 by hayastan, translation #1669948 by Spamster
- El informe oficial será enviado al director.The official report will be sent to the director.
- La versión castellana de la declaración oficial fue publicada hoy.The Castilian version of the official statement was published today.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are checking a document at an office.
- María¿Es este el documento oficial?Is this the official document?
- JavierSí, María, es oficial.Yes, María, it is official.
- MaríaEntonces podemos proceder con el trámite.Then we can proceed with the procedure.
- JavierMuy bien, yo lo guardo ahora.Very well, I will file it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “official” translations and entries oficial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
