mayor and Spanish mayor

MÉI-or

In English

mayor

the head of a city government

In Spanish

mayor

más grande

Spanish "mayor" means: bigger / older

Why they get mixed up Spanish "mayor" is the comparative of "big" or a senior military rank. English "mayor" is the head of a city's government. They share a form but not function or meaning.

If you want to say...

mayoralcalde
oldermayor (de edad)
majoritymayoría

Examples

The mayor gave a speech.
El alcalde dio un discurso.
She was elected mayor of the city.
Fue elegida alcaldesa de la ciudad.
The mayor announced a new park for the city.
El alcalde anunció un nuevo parque para la ciudad.
The mayor of London is elected every four years.
El alcalde de Londres es elegido cada cuatro años.

Common mistakes in Spanish

Incorrect: ~~El mayor de la ciudad dio un discurso.~~

Correct: El alcalde de la ciudad dio un discurso.

Mayor means older or bigger. The city leader is alcalde.

Incorrect: ~~La mayor de mi ciudad visitó la escuela.~~

Correct: La alcaldesa de mi ciudad visitó la escuela.

Use alcaldesa for a woman mayor.

Phrases you will hear

the mayor announcedel alcalde anunció
elected mayorelegido alcalde
the mayor of the cityel alcalde de la ciudad
the mayor's officela oficina del alcalde
oldermayor (de edad)
the majorityla mayoría

In a conversation

A:
The mayor announced a new park.
El alcalde anunció un nuevo parque.
B:
Was he elected this year?
¿Fue elegido este año?
A:
Yes. Most citizens voted for him.
Sí. La mayoría de los ciudadanos votó por él.
B:
The majority always decides.
La mayoría siempre decide.

Test yourself

"The mayor of the city" means...

To remember it

Mayor = head of the city. Bigger/older (Spanish "mayor") = bigger/older.

Frequently asked questions

What does Spanish "mayor" mean?

Spanish "mayor" means "bigger / older". It looks like the English "mayor", which is exactly why it gets confused, but "mayor" means "the head of a city government".

Does English "mayor" mean the same as Spanish "mayor"?

Spanish "mayor" is the comparative of "big" or a senior military rank. English "mayor" is the head of a city's government. They share a form but not function or meaning.