At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'administración' is a big word for 'office' or 'management'. You might see it in a university (the place where you pay) or on a sign. It's a feminine word: 'la administración'. You can think of it as the people who organize things. Example: 'La administración de la escuela está cerrada' (The school office is closed). Don't worry about the complex meanings yet; just remember it's about organization and offices.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'administración' in the context of jobs and studies. You might say 'Estudio administración' if you are learning how to run a business. You also learn that it's used for government things, like 'la administración pública'. It's important to remember the accent on the 'ó'. You might use it to describe your daily life: 'Tengo que mejorar la administración de mi dinero' (I have to improve the management of my money).
At the B1 level, you should use 'administración' more precisely. You understand it's not just an office, but a process. You can talk about 'administración de empresas' (business management) or 'administración de medicamentos' (giving medicine). You start to use collocations like 'llevar la administración' (to handle the management). You also realize that in Spain, an 'administración de lotería' is a specific shop. You should be able to distinguish it from 'gobierno' (politics).
At the B2 level, you use 'administración' in formal writing and debates. You can discuss the efficiency of the 'administración pública' or the 'administración de justicia'. you understand the nuance between 'administración' (the system/structure) and 'gestión' (the active management of tasks). You can use it in the plural 'administraciones' to refer to different levels of government (local, regional, national). Your spelling and gender agreement should be perfect.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the legal and technical depths of 'administración'. You can use it in phrases like 'silencio administrativo' (when the government doesn't respond to a request, which has legal meaning). You understand its use in 'derecho administrativo' (administrative law). You can use the word to describe complex organizational theories or the 'administración de recursos humanos' in a nuanced way, discussing strategy and long-term planning rather than just paperwork.
At the C2 level, 'administración' is a tool for precise academic or professional discourse. You can analyze the 'administración de la prueba' in a legal trial or the 'administración delegada' in corporate structures. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word. You can use it metaphorically or in highly specialized fields like pharmacology or public policy analysis with total confidence, moving seamlessly between its various meanings without hesitation.

administración در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • Administración means management, whether in business, government, or medicine.
  • It is a feminine noun (la administración) and always has an accent on the 'ó'.
  • In Spain, it can also refer to a shop that sells lottery tickets.
  • It is more formal than 'gestión' and often refers to the structure or entity.

The Spanish word administración is a multifaceted noun that primarily refers to the act of managing, directing, or supervising resources, people, or organizations. At its core, it stems from the Latin administratio, which implies service and execution. In a business context, it encompasses the strategic planning and day-to-day operations of a company. However, its reach extends far beyond the boardroom. It is equally used to describe the machinery of government—the 'Public Administration'—which handles the bureaucratic and executive functions of a state or municipality. Furthermore, in medical and scientific fields, it refers to the precise delivery of a substance, such as a drug or vaccine. Understanding this word requires recognizing its role as both a process (the act of managing) and an entity (the department or office that does the managing).

Business Management
The coordination of business activities to achieve defined objectives.
Government Body
The executive branch or the collective group of agencies that run a country.
Medical Delivery
The process of giving a patient a dose of medicine.

"La administración de la empresa decidió implementar nuevas políticas de teletrabajo para mejorar la productividad."

— Example of business usage

In everyday Spanish, you might encounter this word when dealing with paperwork at a local town hall (ayuntamiento) or when discussing your field of study. 'Administración de Empresas' (Business Administration) is one of the most popular degrees in the Spanish-speaking world. It suggests a comprehensive grasp of accounting, human resources, and logistics. When used in the plural, administraciones, it often refers to different levels of government, such as local, regional, and national authorities working in tandem. This word is essential for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between basic survival Spanish and professional or civic engagement.

"Es necesario mejorar la administración de los recursos hídricos en las zonas rurales."

From a linguistic perspective, the word carries a formal weight. It is not a word you would typically use for managing a small personal task like 'managing my time' (where gestión might be more common), but rather for structured, official, or systemic oversight. It implies a level of responsibility and organized effort. Whether you are talking about the administración de fincas (property management) or the administración de justicia (the court system), the word serves as a pillar for describing how modern society functions through organized structures.

"La administración pública debe ser transparente y eficiente."

Etymology
From Latin ad- (to) + ministrare (to serve).
Grammar
Feminine noun; plural: administraciones.

Using administración correctly involves understanding its collocations—the words it naturally hangs out with. In a professional setting, you will frequently pair it with verbs like llevar (to handle/carry out), gestionar (to manage), or mejorar (to improve). For instance, 'Llevar la administración' is a very common way to say someone is in charge of the paperwork and finances of a small business. It sounds more natural than using more complex verbs in a casual business conversation.

  • As a subject: "La administración ha denegado mi solicitud." (The administration has denied my request.)
  • As an object: "Estudio administración de empresas." (I study business administration.)
  • In prepositional phrases: "Trabajo en el departamento de administración." (I work in the administration department.)

When discussing government, the term Administración Pública is a fixed phrase. It refers to the entire body of civil servants and agencies. If you are applying for a visa or a permit, you are interacting with the administración. In this context, the word often carries a connotation of bureaucracy. You might hear people complain about the lentitud de la administración (the slowness of the administration), which is a common cultural trope in many Spanish-speaking countries.

"Para abrir un negocio, hay que lidiar con mucha administración y papeleo."

In medical contexts, the word is used for the delivery of drugs. You will see this on prescriptions or in hospital settings: vía de administración (route of administration), such as oral, intravenosa, or tópica. This is a technical usage that B1 students should recognize, especially if they are traveling or living in a Spanish-speaking country and need to visit a doctor. It is rarely used in plural in this specific medical sense.

Finally, consider the concept of administración de fincas. In Spain and parts of Latin America, most people live in apartment buildings (comunidades de vecinos). These buildings are managed by an administrador who handles the administración of the building—paying for electricity in common areas, hiring cleaners, and managing the budget. If you rent an apartment, you might have to contact the administración if the elevator breaks down.

You will encounter administración in several distinct environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. The most common place is in the news and media. News anchors frequently discuss the Administración General del Estado or the administraciones locales when reporting on new laws, budgets, or public works. If there is a change in tax law, the administración tributaria (tax administration) will be the protagonist of the story.

The Office
In any company, 'Administración' is usually the sign on the door where the accountants and HR staff work.
The University
Students often talk about the 'Secretaría de Administración' when they need to enroll or pay tuition fees.
The Street
In Spain, look for the blue and gold signs of an 'Administración de Lotería'. It's where the famous Christmas lottery tickets are sold.

In a legal or formal letter, you will see it used in headers or official stamps. Phrases like Ante la Administración (Before the Administration) are common in legal appeals. If you are watching a TV show about a hospital, like 'Hospital Central', you will hear doctors discussing the administración de antibióticos. In a political drama, characters might debate the mala administración of public funds, implying corruption or incompetence.

"El director general elogió la excelente administración de los recursos durante la crisis."

Social media and blogs also use the term, particularly in the context of 'Administración del tiempo' (Time Management). Influencers and productivity gurus often share tips on how to improve the administración of one's daily schedule. Here, the word takes on a more personal and proactive tone, moving away from the cold, bureaucratic feel of government offices. It becomes a tool for self-improvement and efficiency.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is using administración to refer to a specific 'term of office' of a politician in the same way 'The Obama Administration' is used. While you can say 'la administración de Obama', it is much more common and natural in Spanish to say 'el gobierno de Obama' or 'el mandato de Obama'. Using administración in this specific political sense can sometimes sound like a direct, slightly awkward translation from English.

  • Mistake: "Durante la administración de Bush..." (Common, but 'gobierno' is better).
  • Better: "Durante el gobierno de Bush..."

Another common error is the gender of the word. Like almost all Spanish words ending in -ción, administración is feminine. Students often mistakenly use the masculine article el because management is often associated with 'the office' (el despacho) or 'the work' (el trabajo). Always remember: la administración, las administraciones.

Spelling is another pitfall. In English, 'administration' has four 'i's and no accent. In Spanish, it has an accent on the final 'o': administración. When you make it plural, the accent disappears: administraciones. This is a general rule for words ending in -ción, but it's one that B1 students frequently forget in the heat of writing an essay or an email.

Incorrect: "El administración de la medicina fue rápido."
Correct: "La administración de la medicina fue rápida."

To truly master administración, you should know its 'cousins'—words that share a similar space but have distinct meanings. The most important one is gestión. While administración often refers to the structure and the official side of things, gestión (management/handling) is more about the action and the results. You administrate a department, but you gestionate (manage) a specific project or a crisis. Gestión feels more dynamic and modern.

Gerencia
Refers specifically to the management level of a company (the 'management' or 'executives').
Dirección
Focuses on the leadership and guidance aspect (the 'direction' or 'board').
Gobierno
The political leadership of a country or region.

Another related word is manejo. This is more common in Latin America than in Spain. It refers to the 'handling' or 'handling' of something, often physical or financial. 'El manejo de fondos' (the handling of funds) is a common phrase. It is slightly less formal than administración. Then there is organización, which refers to the way things are arranged or the entity itself. You need good administración to have a well-functioning organización.

"La gestión del tiempo es clave, pero la administración de la empresa es lo que garantiza el sueldo."

In the medical field, you might hear suministro (supply/provision) or aplicación (application). While administración is the official term for giving a drug, aplicación is often used for creams or external treatments. Knowing these distinctions helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and the right context, making your Spanish sound more sophisticated and precise.

چقدر رسمی است؟

سطح دشواری

گرامر لازم

Nouns ending in -ción are feminine.

Accents on the last syllable of words ending in -n, -s, or vowel.

Dropping the accent in the plural form of -ción words.

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

La administración está en el primer piso.

The office is on the first floor.

Feminine singular noun.

2

Busco la administración de la escuela.

I am looking for the school office.

Used with the definite article 'la'.

3

La administración abre a las nueve.

The office opens at nine.

Present tense verb 'abre'.

4

Ella trabaja en administración.

She works in administration.

Used without an article after 'en'.

5

Necesito ir a la administración.

I need to go to the office.

Preposition 'a' + 'la'.

6

La administración es pequeña.

The office is small.

Adjective 'pequeña' matches gender.

7

No me gusta la administración.

I don't like the administration/office.

Verb 'gustar' with feminine subject.

8

Hola, ¿es la administración?

Hello, is this the office?

Question form.

1

Quiero estudiar administración de empresas.

I want to study business administration.

Compound noun phrase.

2

La administración pública es muy lenta.

The public administration is very slow.

Adjective 'pública' modifies the noun.

3

Mi padre trabaja en la administración del hospital.

My father works in the hospital administration.

Possessive 'del' (de + el).

4

Hay una administración de lotería en mi calle.

There is a lottery office on my street.

Indefinite article 'una'.

5

La administración de mi tiempo es mala.

My time management is bad.

Abstract use of the word.

6

Debemos mejorar la administración del dinero.

We must improve the money management.

Verb 'mejorar' + object.

7

La administración envió una carta ayer.

The administration sent a letter yesterday.

Preterite tense 'envió'.

8

Gracias por su ayuda con la administración.

Thanks for your help with the administration.

Preposition 'con'.

1

Juan lleva la administración de la pequeña tienda.

Juan handles the management of the small shop.

Idiomatic 'llevar la administración'.

2

La administración de la vacuna fue un éxito.

The administration of the vaccine was a success.

Medical context.

3

Necesitamos una administración más eficiente.

We need a more efficient administration.

Comparative 'más eficiente'.

4

La administración de fincas es un buen negocio.

Property management is a good business.

Specific industry term.

5

El curso trata sobre la administración de recursos.

The course is about resource management.

Preposition 'sobre'.

6

La administración central tomó la decisión.

The central administration took the decision.

Political context.

7

No entiendo la administración de este sistema.

I don't understand the management of this system.

Demonstrative 'este'.

8

La administración de justicia es fundamental.

The administration of justice is fundamental.

Legal context.

1

La descentralización de la administración es necesaria.

The decentralization of the administration is necessary.

Complex noun 'descentralización'.

2

Se requiere una correcta administración de los fondos públicos.

A correct administration of public funds is required.

Passive 'se requiere'.

3

La administración de medicamentos debe ser supervisada.

The administration of medicines must be supervised.

Modal 'debe ser' + participle.

4

Las administraciones locales tienen poco presupuesto.

Local administrations have a small budget.

Plural form 'administraciones'.

5

La administración de la crisis fue muy criticada.

The management of the crisis was highly criticized.

Passive voice 'fue criticada'.

6

Estudió un máster en administración de empresas (MBA).

He studied a master's in business administration.

Academic terminology.

7

La administración tributaria inspeccionará la empresa.

The tax administration will inspect the company.

Future tense 'inspeccionará'.

8

La burocracia en la administración es un obstáculo.

Bureaucracy in the administration is an obstacle.

Abstract noun 'burocracia'.

1

El silencio administrativo se interpreta como una negativa.

Administrative silence is interpreted as a refusal.

Legal term 'silencio administrativo'.

2

La administración delegada permite mayor agilidad.

Delegated administration allows for greater agility.

Technical management term.

3

Es un experto en derecho y administración pública.

He is an expert in law and public administration.

Academic field.

4

La administración de la prueba fue impugnada por el abogado.

The administration of the evidence was challenged by the lawyer.

Legal procedural context.

5

La nueva administración heredó una deuda millonaria.

The new administration inherited a million-dollar debt.

Political/Financial context.

6

Se debate la ética en la administración de datos masivos.

Ethics in the administration of big data is being debated.

Modern tech context.

7

La administración de fincas requiere colegiación obligatoria.

Property management requires mandatory professional registration.

Professional regulation.

8

La transparencia es el pilar de la administración moderna.

Transparency is the pillar of modern administration.

Metaphorical usage.

1

La hipertrofia de la administración dificulta la innovación.

The hypertrophy of the administration hinders innovation.

Advanced vocabulary 'hipertrofia'.

2

Se analiza la administración del poder en regímenes totalitarios.

The administration of power in totalitarian regimes is analyzed.

Political science context.

3

La administración de justicia debe ser ajena a intereses políticos.

The administration of justice must be foreign to political interests.

Philosophical/Legal stance.

4

La administración de la terapia génica es aún experimental.

The administration of gene therapy is still experimental.

Scientific precision.

5

La eficacia de la administración se mide por el bienestar social.

The efficiency of the administration is measured by social welfare.

Sociological context.

6

La administración concursal gestionó la quiebra de la aerolínea.

The bankruptcy administration managed the airline's collapse.

Specialized legal term.

7

La administración de los bienes gananciales tras el divorcio.

The administration of marital assets after the divorce.

Family law context.

8

La administración del legado cultural es una tarea ingente.

The administration of the cultural legacy is a massive task.

Abstract/Cultural context.

ترکیب‌های رایج

administración pública
administración de empresas
administración de justicia
administración de lotería
administración de fincas
mala administración
llevar la administración
vía de administración
consejo de administración
administración central

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

administración vs gobierno (politics)

administración vs gestión (active management)

administración vs dirección (leadership)

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

administración vs administrador

The person, not the process.

administración vs administrativo

The adjective or the clerical worker.

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

نحوه استفاده

medical

Refers to the act of giving medicine.

business

Refers to management and accounting.

اشتباهات رایج
  • Using 'el' instead of 'la'.
  • Forgetting the accent on the 'ó'.
  • Using it for 'political term' instead of 'gobierno'.
  • Confusing 'administración' with 'administrador'.
  • Keeping the accent in the plural form.

نکات

Gender Rule

Words ending in -ción are always feminine. Always use 'la'.

The Accent

Put the accent on the last 'o'. It shows where the stress is.

Synonyms

Use 'gestión' to sound more modern in a business context.

Lottery

In Spain, look for 'Administración de Lotería' for luck!

Job Titles

An 'administrativo' is a clerk; an 'administrador' is a manager.

Dosage

In a hospital, 'administración' means giving the medicine.

Justice

'Administración de justicia' refers to the court system.

Time

Use 'administración del tiempo' for time management.

Plural Rule

Remember to remove the accent: administraciones.

Context

If you hear it in the news, think 'Government agencies'.

حفظ کنید

ریشه کلمه

بافت فرهنگی

Lottery shops are called 'Administraciones'.

'Manejo' is often used as a synonym in casual speech.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"¿Qué opinas de la administración pública en tu país?"

"¿Has estudiado administración de empresas?"

"¿Es difícil la administración de tu edificio?"

"¿Cómo es la administración del tiempo en tu trabajo?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido problemas con la administración?"

موضوعات نگارش

Describe cómo es la administración de tus finanzas personales.

Escribe sobre un día trabajando en la administración de una oficina.

¿Cómo crees que la tecnología puede mejorar la administración pública?

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de la administración de justicia.

Imagina que eres el administrador de una gran empresa. ¿Qué harías?

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Es 'la administración' porque termina en -ción.

Sí, en la 'o' (administración), pero se quita en el plural (administraciones).

Es una tienda oficial donde se venden boletos de lotería en España.

Administración es más estructural; gestión es más operativa.

Sí, para la entrega de medicamentos al paciente.

Administración de Empresas.

Sí, suele usarse en contextos profesionales y oficiales.

Es cuando la administración no responde a un ciudadano en el plazo legal.

Sí, pero 'el gobierno de Obama' es más común en español.

Gestiona los asuntos de un edificio de apartamentos.

خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال

/ 180 درست

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