cónsul
nounCEFR B2
What does “cónsul” mean in English?
an official appointed by a government to represent its interests and assist its citizens in a foreign city
Example sentences
El cónsul recibió a los ciudadanos afectados por la crisis para coordinar su regreso al país.
The consul met with the citizens affected by the crisis to coordinate their return home.
Nombraron a una nueva cónsul general para reforzar las relaciones comerciales con la región.
They appointed a new consul general to strengthen trade relations with the region.
How to use it
El/la cónsul (common-gender noun, invariable like testigo) is the official who heads a consulado. Collocation: el cónsul honorario, la cónsul general. Distinguish from embajador/a (ambassador, who heads an embajada and outranks a cónsul).
Common mistake
Cónsul (heads a consulado, handles visas/citizen services) ranks below embajador/a (heads an embajada, the main diplomatic representative) — don't use the two titles interchangeably.
Topics
Related B2 words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones específicas: trámites y buro.