Spanish Conversation · Level 129
61 words
Spanish word
burócrata
Pronunciation
IPA/buˈɾokɾata/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)bureaucrat
Example
El burócrata habló con el ministro.
The bureaucrat talked with the minister.
More examples
El burócrata pidió documentos adicionales para completar la solicitud.
The bureaucrat asked for additional documents to complete the application.
Core concept
A civil servant who processes forms and applies administrative rules.
Common phrases
burócrata corrupto
corrupt bureaucrat
burócrata ineficiente
inefficient bureaucrat
burócrata de carrera
career bureaucrat
Similar words
funcionario: Works in government administration carrying out official duties and services.
empleado público: Works as a public-sector employee for state or local institutions.
administrativo: Processes documents and oversees routine administrative paperwork.
oficinista: Handles general office tasks such as organizing files and answering calls.
Definition in Spanish
Persona encargada de funciones administrativas en el gobierno u organizaciones, responsable de trámites y cumplimiento de normas.
Word origin
Borrowed via French bureaucrate from bureau 'desk, office' combined with the suffix -crat (from Greek kratos) indicating a holder of authority or office.
Usage tips
- Frequently used to criticize red tape or inflexibility, while funcionario público or empleado administrativo are more neutral alternatives.
Other meanings
- civil servantnoun
- government officialnoun
Opposites
- reformistareformistnoun
Related words
- burocraciabureaucracynoun
- burocráticobureaucraticadjective
- burocratizaciónbureaucratizationnoun