Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| político | /poˈlitiko/ | masculine |
| política | /poˈlitika/ | feminine |
| politicastro | /politiˈkastɾo/ | derogatory, masculine |
The term refers to a person engaged in politics. The feminine form política is also used to mean the field of "politics" itself.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form político refers to a male politician, while the feminine form política refers to a female politician. To disparage someone, you might use the derogatory term politicastro, which implies the person is a petty, insignificant or corrupt politician.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial term chanchullero is used to describe a dubious or corrupt politician.
How does it change in a sentence?
For plural groups, use políticos to refer to a group of male politicians or a mixed-gender group. Use políticas specifically when referring to a group consisting only of female politicians.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈlitiko/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, a person can be described as being político to mean they are being overly cautious, tactful, or calculating in a social situation, rather than actually working in government.
- The word político is built from the Ancient Greek word for 'citizen', meaning that at its linguistic core, a politician is fundamentally linked to the idea of being a member of a city-state.
- The suffix -astro in politicastro is a pejorative tool in Spanish that turns a respectable profession into a pathetic or mediocre version of itself.
Examples in context
- Tom es un político.Tom is a politician.This sentence uses político to identify someone's profession.Tatoeba #12000739 by JSKabylie15, translation #2272850 by CK
- Es solo un político.He's just a politician.This sentence uses político to diminish someone's status.Tatoeba #5132469 by don_ramon, translation #4287288 by AlanF_US
- Hablas como un político.You talk like a politician.This sentence uses político to describe a manner of speaking.Tatoeba #10543528 by Shishir, translation #10543539 by DJ_Saidez
- El político habló sobre el futuro del país.The politician talked about the future of the country.
- El representante de la ciudad dio un discurso inspirador.The city representative gave an inspiring speech.
- La representante nacional abogó por los derechos de la mujer.The national representative advocated for women's rights.
- Ese polítiquero solo busca su propio beneficio.That politician only looks for their own benefit.
- Los polítiqueros solo se preocupan por su imagen pública.Politicians only care about their public image.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a news report at a cafe.
- Javier¿Viste la noticia sobre el político?Did you see the news about the politician?
- LucíaSí, Javier, es un escándalo.Yes, Javier, it is a scandal.
- JavierParece que el político mentirá en el juicio.It seems that the politician will lie in court.
- LucíaNo me sorprende nada.It doesn't surprise me at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “politician” translations and entries político, política, politicastro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries politicastro, político, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
