Oficial (en. Official)

/o.fi.'θjal/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Person who holds a position in the government or in an institution.
The government official explained the new regulations to us.
El oficial del gobierno nos explicó las nuevas normativas.
Member of an armed force who has a higher rank.
The police officer ordered to close the street.
El oficial de la policía ordenó cerrar la calle.
adjective
That belongs to or refers to a recognized authority or institution.
The official language of the country is Spanish.
El idioma oficial del país es el español.
That is authorized and has validity.
The submitted document is official.
El documento presentado es oficial.

Etymology

From Latin 'officĭalis', which means 'related to an office or position'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

officially
Officially, with formal recognition.
oficialmente
official statement
Announcement made by a competent authority.
declaración oficial
official document
Paper that contains information validated by an institution.
documento oficial

Related Words

office
Place where administrative work is done.
oficina
unofficial
Who acts on their own initiative, even if not obliged to do so.
oficioso
trade
Job or profession that is regularly practiced.
oficio

Slang Meanings

Person who takes their position very seriously.
That guy is an 'official' in the office, always following the rules to the letter.
Ese tipo es un 'oficial' en la oficina, siempre siguiendo las reglas al pie de la letra.
Something that is accepted by the majority, although not formal.
That information is not official, but it has already become 'official' among friends.
Esa información no es oficial, pero ya se ha vuelto 'oficial' entre los amigos.