Spanish Conversation · Level 48
74 words
Spanish word
burocrático
Pronunciation
IPA/buɾoˈkɾatiko/
Meaning
- adjectivebureaucratic
Example
Este trámite es burocrático y tarda semanas.
This procedure is bureaucratic and takes weeks.
More examples
El sistema burocrático dificulta la atención al público.
The bureaucratic system hinders service to the public.
Core concept
A stack of stamped official forms beside a thick rulebook.
Common phrases
sistema burocrático
bureaucratic system
reglamento burocrático
bureaucratic regulation
organismo burocrático
bureaucratic agency
Similar words
administrativo: Related to managing, organizing, and processing administrative tasks and files.
oficial: Done under the formal authority of public institutions and recorded as official.
formal: Observant of formalities and set procedures, often sounding stiff or ceremonial.
rígido: Rigid in approach, keeping fixed rules and avoiding flexible solutions.
Definition in Spanish
Que da prioridad a reglas, trámites y formalidades, haciendo que procesos o decisiones sean lentos o rígidos.
Word origin
From Spanish burocracia 'bureaucracy', ultimately from French bureau 'office' plus Greek-derived -cracy 'rule', with the adjective formed by the Spanish suffix -ático.
Usage tips
- It commonly criticizes slow, paperwork-heavy procedures or institutions rather than serving as a personal insult, so speakers often point to the obstructive rules or steps to explain the complaint.
Other meanings
- administrativeadjective
Related words
- burocraciabureaucracynoun
- burocratizarbureaucratizeverb
- burocráticamentebureaucraticallyadverb