jefe de estado
Lemma Details
Translation: head of state; chief of state
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Derived from 'jefe' (boss, chief) + 'de' (of) + 'estado' (state). 'Jefe' comes from Arabic 'šāif' meaning 'overseer' or 'supervisor', which entered Spanish during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. 'Estado' derives from Latin 'status' (condition, position), sharing the same root as English 'state'.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: formal
Example Usage
El rey Felipe VI es el jefe de estado de España.
King Felipe VI is the head of state of Spain.
Los jefes de estado se reunieron en la cumbre internacional.
The heads of state met at the international summit.
Como jefe de estado, tiene funciones principalmente ceremoniales.
As head of state, he has primarily ceremonial functions.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'jefe' as 'chief' - they sound somewhat similar and have similar meanings.
- Remember 'estado' is like English 'state' - both refer to a political entity.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, the role of 'jefe de estado' varies significantly depending on the political system. In monarchies like Spain, the king is the 'jefe de estado', while in republics, it's typically the president. In some countries, the head of state and head of government ('jefe de gobierno') are the same person, while in others they are separate roles.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Jefe de estado' refers to the head of state (often ceremonial), while 'jefe de gobierno' refers to the head of government (executive power).
Confused word:
El presidente del gobierno es el jefe de gobierno en España.
The prime minister is the head of government in Spain.
Notes: In some countries like the United States, the president serves as both the head of state and head of government.
Mnemonic: 'Estado' (state) represents the country as a whole, while 'gobierno' (government) represents the administrative body.
Explanation: 'Jefe de estado' is the head of state, while 'secretario de estado' typically refers to a cabinet-level position similar to 'Secretary of State' in the US or a minister in other countries.
This word:
El jefe de estado inauguró la nueva embajada.
The head of state inaugurated the new embassy.
Confused word:
El secretario de estado para asuntos exteriores negoció el tratado.
The secretary of state for foreign affairs negotiated the treaty.
Notes: The exact role of 'secretario de estado' varies by country, but it's generally a high-ranking government official, not the head of state.
Mnemonic: Think of 'secretario' as someone who assists or serves under the authority of the 'jefe'.