Since many of my students mix up these words, I decided to write a post on them. I hope it clarifies. Please, take the quiz at the end.
Político/a/s. Masculine and feminine noun: Person active in party politics, or a person holding or seeking an elected seat in government. E.g.: En algunos casos es casi imposible procesar a un político corrupto que ha escapado de la jurisdicción de un país: In some cases the challenge of prosecuting a corrupt politician who has escaped from a country’s jurisdiction is next to impossible.
Política/s. Feminine noun, usually in plural: Deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. E.g.: Política pública de gestión de sustancias, productos y residuos definida que establezca los criterios rectores claves para el desarrollo sustentable: A defined public policy for chemicals, substance and waste management which determines the key governing principles for sustainable development.
Política. Feminine singular noun: Activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. E.g.: Ese evento me inspiró para seguir interesándome en la política: This inspired me to pursue my interest in politics.
Político/a/s. Adjective: Relating to the government or public affairs of a country. E.g.: En cualquier caso, es ilegal dotar de carácter legal a un texto de naturaleza política: In any case it is illegal to give legal character to a text of a political nature.
Policía. Feminine noun: Civil force of a state, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of public order. E.g.: De momento la policía no ha encontrado el móvil del asesinato: Police have so far not identified any motive for the killing.
Policía. Masculine noun: Male police agent. Also used el/un agente de policía.
Mujer policía. Feminine noun: Female police agent. Also used la/una (agente de) policía.
Póliza: Feminine noun: document detailing the terms and conditions of a contract of insurance. E.g.: Contrata una póliza de seguro flotante por los objetos que estás trasladando: Take out a floating insurance policy for the objects you are relocating. dc
Precision Spanish for Global Professionals.
