candidato
nounCEFR B2
What does “candidato” mean in English?
candidate
candidate (a person standing for election or being considered for a position; candidato a la presidencia)
Example sentences
El candidato del partido gobernante evitó responder con claridad a las preguntas sobre el escándalo financiero.
The governing party's candidate avoided answering clearly the questions about the financial scandal.
Varios candidatos al puesto cumplían los requisitos técnicos, pero solo uno tenía la experiencia internacional necesaria.
Several candidates for the position met the technical requirements, but only one had the necessary international experience.
La candidatura de la ciudad para albergar los Juegos Olímpicos fue respaldada por el gobierno con una inversión récord en infraestructuras.
The city's candidacy to host the Olympic Games was backed by the government with a record investment in infrastructure.
How to use it
El candidato / la candidata (noun) means 'candidate' — a person seeking a position, whether in politics, employment, or a competition. At B2 it is most frequent in political discourse but extends to job applications and academic selection. Core collocations: el candidato oficial/favorito/a la presidencia; presentar/proponer a un candidato; ser candidato a (to be a candidate for); un candidato idóneo (a suitable candidate). The abstract noun is la candidatura (candidacy, nomination). Distinguish from aspirante (an aspirant or applicant — often used before the formal nomination stage).
Common mistake
Candidato/a (a candidate — person) vs candidatura (a candidacy/nomination — the abstract status). 'To stand as a candidate' = presentarse como candidato/a or presentar su candidatura. In Spanish, the feminine form candidata is widely used and preferred when referring to women — don't default to the masculine form.