sultán
/sulˈtan/masculine
The Spanish word for sultan is sultán. If unsure, use sultán. It is also spelled soldán.
Meaning: ruler (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sultán | /sulˈtan/ | masculine |
| soldán | /soldan/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, alternative form |
A sultán is a ruler. In some Latin American countries, the term sátrapa might be used colloquially to refer to a corrupt or tyrannical ruler.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is sultán and the feminine form is sultana.
How do you pronounce it?
/sulˈtan/
Did you know?
- In Spanish literature and theater, calling someone a sultán can be a satirical way to mock a person who acts with an unearned sense of superiority. It turns a title of respect into a tool for irony.
- The Arabic root of sultán is related to the Aramaic word šūlṭānā, which specifically refers to 'power' rather than the person holding it.
- The feminine form sultana is used for a female ruler, but in historical Spanish contexts, it can also refer to a concubine or a high-ranking woman in a royal harem.
Examples in context
- Hubo un tiempo en que el sultán gobernó sobre lo que hoy es Turquía.Once the Sultan ruled over what today is Turkey.This sentence is useful for describing a time when the sultán ruled over what is now Turkey.Tatoeba #7971935 by Seael, translation #63683 by AlanF_US
- Un pastor tenía un perro fiel llamado Sultán, que se había hecho muy viejo, y había perdido todos sus dientes.A shepherd had a faithful dog, called Sultan, who had grown very old, and had lost all his teeth.This sentence uses sultán as the name of a faithful dog.Tatoeba #5071691 by albrusgher, translation #2740510 by Hybrid
- El sultán llegó al palacio acompañado de su séquito.The sultan arrived at the palace accompanied by his entourage.
- El sultán gobernaba sabiamente su reino.The sultan ruled his kingdom wisely.
- Juan siempre fue un gran admirador de los sultanes.Juan was always a great fan of sultans.
- ¡Mira allí viene el sultancito del equipo!Look, here comes the little sultan of the team!
- El sultán de la historia era muy sabio.The sultan in the story was very wise.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a history book.
- Javier¿Quién era el sultán de este imperio?Who was the sultan of this empire?
- ElenaEra un sultán muy poderoso y respetado.He was a very powerful and respected sultan.
- JavierParece que tenía mucho control sobre su pueblo.It seems he had a lot of control over his people.
- ElenaSí, así es como gobernaba el sultán.Yes, that is how the sultan ruled.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sultan” translations and entries sultán, soldán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sultán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
