gobernar
verbCEFR B2
What does “gobernar” mean in English?
to govern, to rule
to govern, to rule (gobernar un país — exercise political authority and manage public affairs)
Example sentences
El partido prometió gobernar con mayor transparencia y participación ciudadana que sus predecesores.
The party promised to govern with greater transparency and citizen participation than its predecessors.
Gobernar en tiempos de crisis exige tomar decisiones difíciles que no siempre son populares.
Governing in times of crisis requires making difficult decisions that are not always popular.
El primer ministro lleva tres legislaturas gobernando sin mayoría absoluta en el parlamento.
The prime minister has been governing for three terms without an absolute majority in parliament.
How to use it
Gobernar means 'to govern' or 'to rule'. It can be intransitive (el partido que gobierna — the governing party) or transitive (gobernar un país/una empresa). At B2, its primary domain is political administration. Key collocations: gobernar con mayoría absoluta, gobernar en coalición, gobernar de manera transparente. It also applies to self-regulation: gobernarse a sí mismo (govern/control oneself). Don't confuse with gestionar (manage — operational, day-to-day) or dirigir (lead/direct — more organisational).
Common mistake
Gobernar (govern — political authority) vs. gestionar (manage — operational). A minister governs (governs = sets policy and direction); a manager gestiona (manages day-to-day operations). Both can be applied to organisations, but gobernar implies authority and accountability at a higher level.