supernumerario
/supeɾnumeɾaɾjo/from spelling rules
The English word 'supernumerary' can be translated into Spanish as supernumerario.
The term supernumerario describes something or someone that is beyond what is necessary. It can function as an adjective meaning redundant or extra. It is also used as a noun to refer to an additional person or staff member required in specific contexts, such as in the military or theater.
Meaning: beyond what is necessary (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, de más is an informal way to convey the sense of being supernumerary or unnecessary.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use supernumerario for masculine singular, supernumeraria for feminine singular, supernumerarios for masculine plural and supernumerarias for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/supeɾnumeɾaɾjo/
Did you know?
- Within the Catholic organization Opus Dei, supernumerarios are members who remain married and live in their own homes.
- In Spanish military terminology, supernumerarios are personnel who are physically present but not included in official budget counts.
- The casual phrase de más is so versatile in Spanish that it can function as a noun in the phrase un de más to describe an extra person.
Examples in context
- La empresa contrató a dos supernumerarios para el proyecto.The company hired two supernumeraries for the project.
- Me sentí como un convidado de piedra en la fiesta de mi vecino.I felt like a supernumerary at my neighbor's party.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are reviewing a project budget.
- AlejandroLucía, creo que este gasto es supernumerario.Lucía, I think this expense is supernumerary.
- LucíaTienes razón, Alejandro, podemos eliminarlo.You are right, Alejandro, we can remove it.
- AlejandroAsí ahorraremos dinero en el presupuesto.That way we will save money in the budget.
- LucíaLo borraré ahora mismo.I will delete it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry supernumerario, 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.
