The word "oficial" in Spanish refers to something that is authorized or sanctioned by an authority, often used to denote formal status (as in official documents, announcements, or procedures). It can also refer to a person holding a position of authority, such as an officer in a military or organizational context.
Frequency of Use:
The term "oficial" is commonly used in both oral and written Spanish. Its usage is prevalent in formal contexts, legal texts, and administrative communication.
"El documento oficial fue presentado ante el tribunal."
"The official document was presented to the court."
"Ella es la oficial de cumplimiento en esta organización."
"She is the compliance officer in this organization."
"El anuncio oficial se hará mañana."
"The official announcement will be made tomorrow."
The word "oficial" can appear in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often relating to situations of formality or authority.
"Por oficial" - Meaning "officially" or "in an official capacity."
Example: "El acuerdo fue firmado por oficial."
"The agreement was signed officially."
"De manera oficial" - Translated to "in an official manner."
Example: "Esto se notificará de manera oficial."
"This will be notified in an official manner."
"Oficialmente" - This adverb means "officially."
Example: "El evento ha sido cancelado oficialmente."
"The event has been officially canceled."
"Acta oficial" - Refers to an "official record" or "official minutes."
Example: "El acta oficial de la reunión fue distribuida entre los asistentes."
"The official minutes of the meeting were distributed among the attendees."
The term "oficial" comes from the Latin "officialis," which relates to a duty or service. The base word "officium" means "office" or "duty," evolving into the modern day term used in Spanish.
Synonyms: - Autorizado (authorized) - Certificado (certified) - Funcionario (official, as a noun)
Antonyms: - Ilegal (illegal) - No oficial (unofficial) - Extraoficial (unofficial)
These synonyms and antonyms help to convey the nuance of "oficial" in various contexts, highlighting its connotation of formality and legitimacy.