Spanish Conversation · Level 28
89 words
Spanish word
funcionario
Pronunciation
IPA/funθjoˈnaɾjo/
Meaning
- masculine nouncivil servant
Example
El funcionario explicó el procedimiento con paciencia.
The civil servant explained the procedure patiently.
More examples
Para renovar el permiso, habla con un funcionario.
To renew the permit, speak with a civil servant.
Core concept
Official employed by the public administration to handle paperwork and public services.
Common phrases
presentar documentos al funcionario
submit documents to the civil servant
consulta al funcionario
consultation with the civil servant
firmar ante el funcionario
sign before the civil servant
Similar words
servidor público: Government official focused on carrying out work that benefits the public good.
empleado público: Government employee who performs routine operational tasks within a public body.
administrativo: Clerical administrator in charge of records, forms and internal office procedures.
burócrata: Official who follows formal rules and procedures when processing administrative matters.
Definition in Spanish
Trabajador del sector público cuya función es gestionar servicios o asuntos administrativos para la comunidad.
Word origin
The Spanish term comes from medieval Latin functionarius, originally 'one who performs a function', from Latin functio 'duty' or 'office'.
Usage tips
- The English cognate functionary is rarer and can sound formal or negative, whereas Spanish funcionario is the neutral, common term for a civil servant.
Other meanings
- officialnoun
- staff membernoun
Opposites
- empleado del sector privadoprivate sector employeenoun
Related words
- funcionamientooperationnoun
- funciónfunctionnoun
- funcionarworkverb