La Presidenta or La Presidente: Navigating Gender and Titles in Spanish

31 May 2024

The Spanish language, known for its beauty and expressiveness, often poses challenges for language learners. One such challenge arises with the use of gendered nouns and the agreement of adjectives. A common question that surfaces is whether to use “la presidenta” or “la presidente,” particularly when referring to a woman in a position of authority.

This question delves into the heart of grammatical gender and its intersection with societal perceptions of gender roles. Unlike English, where nouns are generally neutral, Spanish nouns are assigned a grammatical gender, either masculine or feminine. This gender assignment affects the articles, adjectives, and pronouns used in agreement with the noun.

Traditionally, roles of leadership and authority have been associated with men, and the corresponding nouns for these positions, like “presidente” (president), were inherently masculine. However, with the increasing representation of women in these roles, the need to adapt language to reflect this reality has become paramount.

The question of “la presidenta” versus “la presidente” is not merely a grammatical debate but reflects a broader social discourse on gender equality and inclusivity in language. Using the grammatically correct feminine form, “la presidenta,” when referring to a woman president, acknowledges and affirms women’s presence in these traditionally male-dominated spaces.

Choosing to use “la presidente,” while grammatically incorrect, might stem from various factors. Some may argue that the masculine form remains neutral or that using the feminine form disrupts the language's flow. However, these arguments often overlook the importance of using language that accurately reflects and respects the gender of the individual being referred to.

Here's a breakdown of why "la presidenta" is the correct usage:

Grammatical Accuracy: In Spanish, nouns and adjectives must agree in gender and number. "Presidente" is a masculine noun, so using the feminine article "la" would be grammatically incorrect. The correct feminine form of "presidente" is "presidenta."
Inclusivity and Representation: Using the feminine form when referring to a woman in a position of power acknowledges and celebrates the presence of women in these roles. It promotes gender equality and avoids perpetuating the idea that leadership is inherently masculine.

Here are some additional points to consider:

Language Evolution: Language is dynamic and constantly evolving to reflect societal changes. The increasing use of feminine forms for traditionally masculine professions is a positive step towards more inclusive language.
Respect and Recognition: Addressing individuals by their correct gender designation is a matter of respect and recognition of their identity. Using "la presidenta" for a woman president is a way of acknowledging her position and her gender.

The conversation surrounding “la presidenta” or “la presidente” is significant as it highlights the need for ongoing reflection on language usage and its impact on perceptions of gender. Embracing inclusive language by correctly using feminine forms for women in positions of power is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and respectful society.