magnate
/maɡˈnate/feminine, masculine
The English phrase tycoon is translated into Spanish as magnate.
magnate is used to refer to a wealthy and powerful business or industrial tycoon. To specify the area of their influence, you can use the construction magnate de la followed by the specific industry, such as magnate de la industria for an industry tycoon. You can also use the phrase magnate de los negocios to express the concept of a business tycoon.
Meaning: wealthy, powerful business person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While magnate is the standard term, you may also use the formal phrase empresario prominente to mean a prominent businessman.
How does it change in a sentence?
magnate can be used as a masculine or feminine noun. To specifically refer to a female tycoon, use the feminine form magnata.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɡˈnate/
Did you know?
- When discussing very wealthy individuals in a more informal or colloquial way, Spanish speakers might use the term pez gordo, which literally translates to 'fat fish' to mean a 'big shot'.
- In many Latin American countries, the term cacique is used to describe a person who holds absolute power over a local community or industry, often through political and economic control.
- In Spanish, the word magnate is often used with a hint of irony or criticism to imply that the person's power is excessive or socially disruptive.
Examples in context
- Carlos Slim es un magnate de las telecomunicaciones en México.Carlos Slim is a telecommunications magnate in Mexico.
- Richard Branson es considerado un magnate de los negocios por su éxito con Virgin Group.Richard Branson is considered a business tycoon due to his success with Virgin Group.
- Él es un magnate del petróleo.He is an oil tycoon.
- La magnate de la moda es muy joven.The fashion tycoon is very young.
- Ese magnate controla muchas empresas.That tycoon controls many companies.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a news report about a businessman.
- Alejandro¿Viste la noticia sobre el magnate?Did you see the news about the tycoon?
- MaríaSí, es un hombre muy poderoso.Yes, he is a very powerful man.
- AlejandroEs el magnate más rico del país.He is the richest tycoon in the country.
- MaríaSu fortuna es realmente impresionante.His fortune is truly impressive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tycoon” translations and entries magnate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
