superintendente
/supeɾintenˈdente/feminine, masculine
The English word 'superintendent' is translated into Spanish as superintendente. Wiktionary also lists director.
Meaning: a person who is authorized to supervise, direct or administer something (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| superintendente | /supeɾintenˈdente/ | feminine, masculine |
| director | /diɾeɡˈtoɾ/ | masculine |
The term refers to a person who is authorized to supervise, direct or administer something.
Which one should you use?
While superintendente is a direct cognate, director is a more common, general term used for heads of departments or companies in many Spanish-speaking contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word superintendente is an epicene noun, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/supeɾintenˈdente/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, superintendente is not just a job title but the head of a powerful government agency, such as the Superintendencia de Bancos, which regulates the entire national banking system.
- The prefix super- in superintendente comes from Latin and means 'above' or 'over', while intendente relates to 'turning the mind toward' a task.
- While director means 'director' or 'manager', it is also the standard word used for a school principal in most Spanish-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- El superintendente del edificio es responsable de la limpieza y el mantenimiento.The superintendent of the building is responsible for cleaning and maintenance.
- El encargado del edificio se encarga de la seguridad y el control de acceso.The superintendent in charge of the building ensures security and access control.
- El superintendente de la escuela es muy amable.The school superintendent is very kind.
- Ella es la superintendente del distrito escolar.She is the school district superintendent.
- Necesitamos hablar con el superintendente de obras.We need to talk to the construction superintendent.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a meeting at their workplace.
- Javier¿Sabes dónde está el superintendente?Do you know where the superintendent is?
- ElenaÉl está en una reunión ahora, Javier.He is in a meeting right now, Javier.
- JavierTengo que entregarle este informe.I have to give him this report.
- ElenaDéjamelo a mí y yo se lo daré.Leave it with me and I will give it to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “superintendent” translations and entries superintendente, director, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
