subordinado
Lemma Details
Translation: subordinate; subordinated; subject; under; dependent
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'subordinatus', past participle of 'subordinare', which combines 'sub' (under) + 'ordinare' (to arrange, order). The English cognate 'subordinate' shares the same Latin root. The word conveys the concept of being placed in a lower rank or position within a hierarchical structure.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El gerente tiene cinco empleados subordinados.
The manager has five subordinate employees.
Como subordinado, debe seguir las instrucciones de su jefe.
As a subordinate, he must follow his boss's instructions.
La posición subordinada en la empresa no le permitía tomar decisiones importantes.
The subordinate position in the company did not allow him to make important decisions.
Mnemonics
- Think 'sub' (under) + 'ordinado' (ordered) = placed under in order or rank
- Remember that 'sub' means 'under' in both Spanish and English, and 'ordinado' relates to 'order' - someone ordered to be under another's authority
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking workplaces and organizations, the concept of 'subordinado' is important in understanding hierarchical structures. The term is commonly used in professional and organizational contexts to describe reporting relationships.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'subordinado' refers to someone in a lower position in a hierarchy, 'coordinado' refers to things or people that are arranged or working together at the same level.
Confused word:
Los departamentos coordinados trabajan juntos en el proyecto.
The coordinated departments work together on the project.
Notes: Both terms are used in organizational contexts but imply different relationships in the hierarchy.
Mnemonic: 'Sub' means under (below), while 'co' means together (same level).
Explanation: 'Subordinado' refers to hierarchical position, while 'ordenado' means 'ordered' or 'neat'.
Notes: The prefix 'sub' makes a significant difference in meaning between these two words.
Mnemonic: 'Subordinado' has 'sub' (under) + 'ordenado' (ordered) - someone under orders, while 'ordenado' alone just means something is in order.