postularse a
/postulaɾse a/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'run for' is translated into Spanish as postularse a when referring to being a candidate for a political office or position in an election.
While postularse a is the standard way to express this, the preposition 'a' can be replaced by 'para' to emphasize the purpose of the candidacy, such as in the form postularse para.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the formal expression aspirar a is used to mean running for a position. In Argentina, the formal phrase presentarse como candidato/a para is common. In Spain, speakers often use the verb presentarse followed by the preposition a to discuss running for office formally.
How do you pronounce it?
/postulaɾse a/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the literal translation correr para to mean running for a political office. In Spanish, correr only refers to physical running.
Did you know?
- In Spanish political discourse, the act of running for office is often described as lanzarse, which literally means 'to throw oneself' into the race.
- The Spanish phrase candidatura for a run for office shares the same root as the English word 'candidate', which originally comes from the Latin 'candidatus' meaning 'clothed in white'.
- While postularse means running for office, the root verb postular is also used in religious contexts to describe someone who is a candidate for admission into a religious order.
Examples in context
- Carlos se postuló para el cargo de alcalde.Carlos ran for the position of mayor.
- Los hermanos González compiten por la presidencia.The González brothers are running for the presidency.
- Martina se presentará como candidata para senadora nacional.Martina will run as a candidate for national senator.
- Carlos se presentará a las elecciones municipales.Carlos will run for municipal elections.
- Ella decidió postularse a la alcaldía.She decided to run for mayor.
- Muchos quieren postularse a la presidencia.Many want to run for the presidency.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing local politics.
- Lucía¿Vas a postularse a delegado, Daniel?Are you going to run for delegate, Daniel?
- DanielSí, creo que es el momento adecuado.Yes, I think it is the right time.
- LucíaTienes mucho apoyo entre los vecinos.You have a lot of support among the neighbors.
- DanielGracias, espero ganar la elección.Thanks, I hope to win the election.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
