When you're applying for a job, a scholarship, or even a position in a competition, the word for the person doing the applying is postulante. It's a very common and practical word to know in Spanish, especially in formal contexts like job interviews or academic applications.
You might see it used on application forms or hear it in conversations about job openings. Knowing this word helps you understand who is being referred to when discussing positions that require someone to apply for them. It’s a good word to add to your vocabulary for navigating everyday situations.
When discussing job applications, a 'postulante' is someone who has officially applied for a role. This term is quite common in formal and professional contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. You might encounter it in job listings or in news articles about elections, where it refers to a candidate for office.
It’s a versatile word that can be used for various types of applications, not just jobs. For example, someone applying to a university program could also be called a 'postulante'. Understanding this term will help you navigate official documents and formal conversations more effectively.
§ Understanding 'Postulante'
So, you've learned that 'postulante' means an applicant or candidate. That's a solid start! Now, let's look at how it stacks up against other similar words in Spanish. Knowing when to use 'postulante' versus its alternatives will make your Spanish sound much more natural.
- DEFINITION
- An applicant or candidate for a position, often in a formal or competitive context.
Hay muchos postulantes para el puesto de gerente.
The company received many applicants for the manager position.
§ 'Postulante' vs. 'Candidato'
The most common word you'll hear that's similar to 'postulante' is 'candidato'. Both can mean 'candidate' or 'applicant', but there's a nuance. 'Candidato' is broader and can refer to anyone being considered for something, whether it's a job, an election, or even just a potential option.
'Postulante', on the other hand, implies that the person has actively *applied* or *presented themselves* for a specific role or position. It carries a stronger sense of active self-nomination or application.
- When to use 'candidato': When someone is being considered, nominated, or is a potential choice, especially in politics or general selection processes.
- When to use 'postulante': When someone has formally submitted an application for a job, scholarship, or a specific program. It emphasizes the act of applying.
Ella es una candidata fuerte para la presidencia.
She is a strong candidate for the presidency.
Todos los postulantes deben enviar su currículum antes del viernes.
All applicants must send their resume before Friday.
§ 'Solicitante' - Another Option
You might also encounter 'solicitante'. This word is very close to 'postulante' in meaning, as it also emphasizes the act of making a request or application ('solicitar' means to request or apply). In many contexts, 'postulante' and 'solicitante' are interchangeable, especially when talking about job applications.
However, 'solicitante' can also be used for broader requests beyond just positions, like applying for a loan, a visa, or a permit. 'Postulante' is almost exclusively used for positions, awards, or competitive opportunities.
- Use 'solicitante' when: Referring to someone making a formal request or application for almost anything (jobs, loans, visas, permits, etc.).
- Use 'postulante' when: Specifically referring to someone applying for a job, scholarship, award, or a formal position where there is a selection process.
Los solicitantes de visa deben presentar varios documentos.
Visa applicants must present several documents.
§ Key Differences Summarized
To keep it simple:
- Postulante: Focuses on actively applying for a specific position or competitive opportunity. It's about 'putting oneself forward'.
- Candidato: Broader term for anyone being considered or nominated, not necessarily having applied themselves.
- Solicitante: Very similar to 'postulante' for job applications, but also applies to any formal request (loans, visas, etc.).
When in doubt about a job application, both 'postulante' and 'solicitante' are usually good choices. 'Candidato' is best when someone is under consideration but hasn't necessarily applied directly, or in a political context.
Now you have a clearer picture of when to use 'postulante' and its relatives. Keep practicing and you'll master these nuances in no time!
How Formal Is It?
"Todos los candidatos para el puesto de gerente deben presentar su currículum antes del viernes. (All candidates for the manager position must submit their resume before Friday.)"
"Hay muchos postulantes para la beca de estudios en el extranjero. (There are many applicants for the study abroad scholarship.)"
"Recibimos un montón de aplicantes para el trabajo de verano. (We received a ton of applicants for the summer job.)"
"El concursante más joven ganó el premio del dibujo. (The youngest contestant won the drawing prize.)"
"Ese aspirante al puesto de DJ es bastante bueno. (That wannabe DJ is pretty good.)"
Beispiele nach Niveau
El postulante para el puesto de gerente tiene mucha experiencia.
The applicant for the manager position has a lot of experience.
Hay varios postulantes interesantes para la beca.
There are several interesting candidates for the scholarship.
La empresa busca postulantes con habilidades en programación.
The company is looking for applicants with programming skills.
Todos los postulantes deben entregar su currículum antes del viernes.
All candidates must submit their resume before Friday.
Ella fue una postulante fuerte para el programa de intercambio.
She was a strong applicant for the exchange program.
El comité entrevistará a los postulantes la próxima semana.
The committee will interview the candidates next week.
Muchos postulantes se presentaron para el trabajo de verano.
Many applicants showed up for the summer job.
Cada postulante tendrá veinte minutos para su presentación.
Each candidate will have twenty minutes for their presentation.
El postulante debe presentar su currículum vitae antes del viernes.
The applicant must submit their resume before Friday.
Here, 'postulante' is a singular noun referring to one applicant.
Todos los postulantes para el puesto de gerente serán entrevistados la próxima semana.
All candidates for the manager position will be interviewed next week.
In this sentence, 'postulantes' is plural, indicating multiple candidates.
La universidad recibió cientos de postulantes para el programa de maestría.
The university received hundreds of applicants for the master's program.
'Postulantes' is used here to mean applicants to an academic program.
El postulante ideal para este trabajo tiene experiencia en ventas y buen dominio del inglés.
The ideal candidate for this job has sales experience and good English proficiency.
'Postulante' is modified by the adjective 'ideal' to describe the type of candidate.
Después de varias entrevistas, seleccionaron al postulante más calificado.
After several interviews, they selected the most qualified applicant.
Here, 'postulante' is used with a superlative adjective to indicate the best candidate.
Ella es una postulante fuerte para la beca, con excelentes calificaciones.
She is a strong candidate for the scholarship, with excellent grades.
'Postulante' can refer to a candidate for a scholarship or award.
¿Cuántos postulantes se espera que asistan a la feria de empleo?
How many applicants are expected to attend the job fair?
This question uses 'postulantes' to inquire about the number of job seekers.
El comité evaluará a cada postulante cuidadosamente antes de tomar una decisión.
The committee will evaluate each candidate carefully before making a decision.
Here, 'cada postulante' emphasizes the individual evaluation of each candidate.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Broader term for anyone applying for anything.
Often interchangeable with 'postulante' for jobs, but also used for political candidates.
Implies a strong desire or ambition for the position or goal.
Grammatikmuster
Leicht verwechselbar
Both 'solicitante' and 'postulante' refer to someone who applies for something. However, 'solicitante' is a broader term.
'Solicitante' can refer to anyone who requests or applies for anything, like a permit, a loan, or a job. 'Postulante' is more specifically used for someone applying for a formal position, often competitive, like a job, scholarship, or academic role.
El solicitante de la visa debe presentar muchos documentos. (The visa applicant must present many documents.) / La postulante para la beca tuvo una entrevista difícil. (The scholarship candidate had a difficult interview.)
Often interchangeable with 'postulante' in job contexts, but 'candidato' has wider political implications.
'Candidato' can be used for someone vying for a job, but it's also very common for political candidates. 'Postulante' focuses more on the act of applying rather than the competitive selection process.
El candidato a la presidencia dio un discurso. (The presidential candidate gave a speech.) / La empresa entrevistó a varios postulantes para el puesto. (The company interviewed several applicants for the position.)
Similar to 'postulante' in meaning, but can imply a stronger desire or ambition.
'Aspirante' often emphasizes the desire or ambition of the person seeking something, like an 'aspiring artist' or 'aspiring doctor'. 'Postulante' is more neutral and refers simply to someone who has submitted an application.
Es una aspirante a cantante famosa. (She is an aspiring famous singer.) / Hay muchos postulantes para la universidad. (There are many applicants for the university.)
Sounds similar in English to 'demand' but has a different legal context.
In a legal context, 'demandante' refers to a plaintiff in a lawsuit. It has no relation to applying for a position.
El demandante presentó su caso ante el juez. (The plaintiff presented their case before the judge.)
A direct Anglicism, often used informally, but not the most accurate or common Spanish term.
While 'aplicante' might be understood due to English influence, it's not standard Spanish. 'Solicitante' or 'postulante' are the correct and preferred terms.
Prefiero decir 'solicitante' en lugar de 'aplicante'. (I prefer to say 'solicitante' instead of 'aplicante'.)
Satzmuster
Ser un buen/una buena postulante
Para este puesto, ella es una muy buena postulante. (For this position, she is a very good applicant.)
Haber muchos/pocos postulantes
Hubo muchos postulantes para el trabajo de gerente. (There were many applicants for the manager job.)
Elegir al/a la mejor postulante
El comité eligió al mejor postulante para el programa. (The committee chose the best candidate for the program.)
Requisitos para los postulantes
Los requisitos para los postulantes incluyen experiencia previa. (The requirements for applicants include previous experience.)
Lista de postulantes aceptados/rechazados
La lista de postulantes aceptados se publicará mañana. (The list of accepted applicants will be published tomorrow.)
El perfil del postulante ideal
El perfil del postulante ideal es alguien con iniciativa y creatividad. (The ideal applicant profile is someone with initiative and creativity.)
Evaluar a los postulantes según criterios
Evaluaron a los postulantes según criterios objetivos. (They evaluated the applicants according to objective criteria.)
Descartar a un postulante por falta de cualificaciones
Tuvimos que descartar a un postulante por falta de cualificaciones. (We had to rule out an applicant due to lack of qualifications.)
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Job applications
- El postulante envió su currículum.
- The applicant sent their resume.
- Buscamos un postulante con experiencia.
- We are looking for a candidate with experience.
- Ella fue una postulante fuerte para el puesto.
- She was a strong applicant for the position.
University admissions
- Los postulantes deben presentar sus calificaciones.
- Applicants must submit their grades.
- Hay muchos postulantes para este programa.
- There are many applicants for this program.
- El postulante fue aceptado en la universidad.
- The applicant was accepted into the university.
Political campaigns
- El postulante habló en el debate.
- The candidate spoke at the debate.
- Es un postulante popular entre los votantes.
- He is a popular candidate among voters.
- Los postulantes están compitiendo por el cargo.
- The candidates are competing for the office.
Contests or competitions
- Cada postulante presentó su proyecto.
- Each applicant presented their project.
- Hay diez postulantes en la final.
- There are ten applicants in the final.
- El jurado evaluará a los postulantes.
- The jury will evaluate the applicants.
Scholarship applications
- El postulante completó el formulario de beca.
- The applicant completed the scholarship form.
- Se busca un postulante con buen rendimiento académico.
- An applicant with good academic performance is sought.
- Recibimos muchas solicitudes de postulantes.
- We received many applications from candidates.
Gesprächseinstiege
"¿Has sido postulante para algún trabajo o programa recientemente?"
"¿Qué crees que es lo más importante al ser un buen postulante?"
"¿Conoces a alguien que sea un postulante para un puesto importante?"
"Si fueras un empleador, ¿qué buscarías en un postulante?"
"¿Cuál ha sido la experiencia más memorable que has tenido como postulante?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe una situación en la que fuiste un 'postulante'. ¿Cómo te sentiste y cuál fue el resultado?
Imagina que eres un 'postulante' para tu trabajo soñado. ¿Qué harías para destacarte?
Escribe sobre las cualidades que crees que hacen a un 'postulante' exitoso, ya sea para un trabajo, una beca o una elección.
¿Cómo crees que la preparación afecta las posibilidades de un 'postulante'? Da ejemplos.
Reflexiona sobre las diferencias entre ser un 'postulante' para un puesto y ser un 'candidato' en otros contextos. ¿Son sinónimos perfectos?
Teste dich selbst 48 Fragen
This sentence introduces the applicant.
This sentence identifies 'she' as an applicant.
This sentence indicates there are many applicants.
El gerente entrevistó a muchos ___ para el puesto.
The sentence talks about interviewing people for a position, so 'postulantes' (applicants) is the best fit.
Solo un ___ será seleccionado para el trabajo.
In the context of a job, only one 'postulante' (applicant) will be chosen.
La empresa busca un buen ___ con experiencia.
Companies look for an 'applicant' (postulante) with experience.
Cada ___ debe llenar un formulario de solicitud.
An 'applicant' (postulante) is required to fill out an application form.
Ella fue una ___ excelente y consiguió el trabajo.
The sentence implies she was a good applicant who got the job.
Había muchos ___ para la universidad.
Many 'applicants' (postulantes) apply to universities.
The applicant filled out the form.
The company is looking for applicants with experience.
There are many candidates for the position.
Read this aloud:
Ella es una postulante muy buena.
Focus: postulante
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Read this aloud:
¿Cuántos postulantes hay?
Focus: cuántos
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Read this aloud:
El postulante llegó tarde.
Focus: llegó
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You are applying for a new job. Write two sentences about why you are a good 'postulante' for the position. Use the word 'postulante'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Soy un buen postulante para este puesto porque tengo mucha experiencia y las habilidades necesarias. Creo que puedo contribuir mucho al equipo.
Your friend is going to an interview. Write a short message wishing them luck as a 'postulante'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
¡Mucha suerte en tu entrevista! Eres un gran postulante y seguro que lo harás muy bien.
Imagine you are describing an ideal 'postulante' for a volunteer role. Write one sentence about what qualities they should have.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El postulante ideal para este rol debe ser responsable y tener ganas de ayudar a la comunidad.
¿Quiénes enviaron sus currículums a la empresa?
Read this passage:
La empresa busca un nuevo empleado. Muchos postulantes enviaron sus currículums. Mañana, la empresa entrevistará a los mejores postulantes.
¿Quiénes enviaron sus currículums a la empresa?
El pasaje dice: 'Muchos postulantes enviaron sus currículums.'
El pasaje dice: 'Muchos postulantes enviaron sus currículums.'
¿Para qué tipo de trabajo es postulante María?
Read this passage:
María es una postulante para un trabajo de maestra. Ella tiene mucha experiencia con niños y le gusta enseñar. Cree que es la mejor opción para la escuela.
¿Para qué tipo de trabajo es postulante María?
El pasaje dice: 'María es una postulante para un trabajo de maestra.'
El pasaje dice: 'María es una postulante para un trabajo de maestra.'
¿Qué se necesita para ser un buen postulante en la universidad, según el texto?
Read this passage:
Para ser un buen postulante en esta universidad, necesitas buenas notas y cartas de recomendación. Es importante presentarse bien.
¿Qué se necesita para ser un buen postulante en la universidad, según el texto?
El pasaje dice: 'Para ser un buen postulante en esta universidad, necesitas buenas notas y cartas de recomendación.'
El pasaje dice: 'Para ser un buen postulante en esta universidad, necesitas buenas notas y cartas de recomendación.'
El gerente entrevistó a muchos ___ para el puesto.
In this context, 'solicitantes' (applicants) is the most appropriate word to describe those interviewed for a position. 'Postulantes' is a synonym.
Ella es una ___ muy fuerte para el programa de maestría.
'Postulante' (applicant/candidate) fits best here, indicating someone who is applying for a program.
Se buscan ___ con experiencia en ventas.
'Postulantes' (applicants) is the correct choice, as the sentence implies a search for candidates for a sales role.
Todos los ___ deben entregar su currículum antes del viernes.
The sentence refers to people who need to submit a resume, indicating they are applicants or candidates, so 'postulantes' is correct.
La empresa recibió cientos de ___ para el cargo de ingeniero.
When a company receives many submissions for a job, those submitting are 'postulantes' (applicants).
El comité evaluará a cada ___ cuidadosamente.
A committee would evaluate 'postulantes' (applicants/candidates) for a position or program.
¿Qué palabra se usa para describir a alguien que solicita un puesto de trabajo?
La palabra 'postulante' se refiere a una persona que solicita un puesto o una beca, similar a 'applicant' o 'candidate' en inglés.
Si alguien está esperando ser elegido para un cargo, ¿cómo lo llamarías?
Un 'postulante' es alguien que se presenta para ser considerado para un puesto, cargo o beca.
En el contexto de una universidad, ¿quién podría ser un 'postulante'?
Un 'postulante' puede ser un candidato a una beca o a un programa de estudio.
Un 'postulante' es siempre la persona que ya ha sido contratada para un puesto.
Falso. Un 'postulante' es la persona que solicita o es candidata a un puesto, no necesariamente la que ya lo ha obtenido.
La palabra 'postulante' solo se usa para puestos de trabajo, nunca para becas o premios.
Falso. 'Postulante' se puede usar tanto para puestos de trabajo como para becas, premios o cualquier posición a la que se aplique.
Si presentas tu candidatura para una elección, eres un 'postulante'.
Verdadero. Al presentarte como candidato a una elección, te conviertes en un 'postulante' para ese cargo.
Focus on identifying the key qualities desired in the applicant.
Pay attention to what the HR manager says about the applicants.
Listen for details about the applicant's performance in the interview.
Read this aloud:
Describe en español cómo te prepararías si fueras un postulante para un trabajo de tus sueños.
Focus: Pronunciation of 'postulante' and 'prepararías'
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Read this aloud:
¿Qué crees que busca una empresa ideal en un buen postulante? Menciona al menos tres cualidades.
Focus: Emphasis on 'busca' and 'cualidades'
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Si fueras un reclutador, ¿qué preguntarías a un postulante en una entrevista de trabajo?
Focus: Intonation for questions and 'reclutador'
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence structure is common when describing job requirements. 'Exige que' (requires that) is followed by the subjunctive 'tenga' (has).
This sentence uses 'aunque' (although) to introduce a contrast, followed by a description of the candidate's qualifications.
This sentence describes a formal process of evaluation. 'A cada postulante' uses the personal 'a' because 'postulante' refers to a person.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr work Wörter
a corto plazo
B1Within a short period of time; in the short term.
a distancia
B1From a distance; remotely.
a largo plazo
B1Over a long period of time; in the long term.
a plazo fijo
B1For a fixed term; a contract with a definite end date.
a prueba
B1On probation; undergoing a trial period.
a tiempo
B1At the correct or scheduled time.
a tiempo completo
B1Working the full period of time considered normal or standard.
a tiempo parcial
B1Working less than the full period of time considered normal or standard.
accionista
B1A shareholder, an owner of shares in a company.
adaptable
B1Able to adjust to new conditions.
