dictador
nounCEFR B2
What does “dictador” mean in English?
a ruler with total, unchecked power over a country, typically seized or maintained by force
Example sentences
El dictador gobernó el país durante casi cuarenta años sin permitir elecciones libres.
The dictator ruled the country for almost forty years without allowing free elections.
Tras la caída del dictador, el país inició una lenta transición hacia la democracia.
After the dictator's fall, the country began a slow transition towards democracy.
How to use it
El dictador / la dictadora means 'dictator' — a ruler with absolute, unelected power. Regular -or/-ora gender pattern. Related noun: la dictadura (dictatorship, the system of government), not to be confused with the person, el dictador.
Common mistake
Dictador (the person) and dictadura (the system of government) are related but distinct: el dictador gobierna durante la dictadura — don't use one word for the other.
Topics
Related B2 words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones específicas: política y soci.