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"Gobernante" is an adjective which is often translated as "ruling", and "gobernador" is a noun which is often translated as "governor". Learn more about the difference between "gobernante" and "gobernador" below.
gobernante, el gobernante, la gobernante(
goh
-
behr
-
nahn
-
teh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. ruling
El partido gobernante tomó medidas que disgustaron a la población.The ruling party has made decisions that people are not at all happy with.
b. governing
La élite gobernante está acusada de haber blanqueado mucho dinero.The governing elite is accused of having laundered a lot of money.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. ruler
El gobernante del país viajará al extranjero para firmar un acuerdo.The country's ruler is to make a trip abroad to sign an agreement.
b. leader
Los gobernantes se reunieron en una cumbre internacional.The leaders met at an international summit.
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el gobernador, la gobernadora(
goh
-
behr
-
nah
-
dohr
)
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. governor
El gobernador del estado firmó la nueva ley.The state governor signed the new law.
2. (government representative)
Regionalism used in Spain
(Spain)
a. governor
El gobernador del Banco Central afirmó que las arcas del Estado estaban llenas.The governor of the Central Bank reported that state reserves were full.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
3.
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
(controlling)
a. governing
El partido gobernador decidió retirar el proyecto de ley de la anterior legislatura.The governing party decided to withdraw the draft of the bill from the previous legislature.
b. ruling
La oposición se enfrentó al partido gobernador en las elecciones.The opposition faced the ruling party in the elections.
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