Subalternos (en. Subalterns)
/subalˈternos/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishSpanish
noun
People who have a lower rank or authority.
Subalterns must follow the orders of their superiors.
Los subalternos deben seguir las órdenes de sus superiores.
Members of a hierarchy who are below a high rank.
In the army, subalterns are essential for executing orders.
En el ejército, los subalternos son esenciales para la ejecución de órdenes.
In an academic context, it refers to students who attend classes under the direction of a teacher.
The subalterns of the course are organizing a joint project.
Los subalternos del curso están organizando un proyecto conjunto.
Etymology
It comes from the Latin 'subalternus', which means 'inferior' or 'easily controlled'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
subalterns in the company
Employees who occupy lower-grade positions in the organizational hierarchy.
subalternos en la empresa
subordinate labor
Workers who perform basic tasks and are below in the labor chain.
mano de obra subalterna
subalterns in the army
Lower-ranked soldiers who follow orders from higher officers.
subalternos en el ejército
Related Words
superior
A person who occupies a higher rank in a hierarchy.
superior
subordinate
It refers to someone who is under the authority of another.
subordinado
hierarchy
A system that classifies people or things into different levels.
jerarquía
Slang Meanings
It colloquially refers to employees who have no voice or vote in important decisions.
Subalterns are just for bringing coffee and doing the dirty work.
Los subalternos son solo para llevar café y hacer el trabajo sucio.
Used in some companies to refer to those who assume minor responsibilities.
In that office, subalterns are only there to learn and obey.
En esa oficina, los subalternos solo están para aprender y obedecer.