Forgetting the Personal 'a'

When 'contratar' refers to hiring a specific person or people, you must use the preposition 'a' before the person: 'Vamos a contratar **a** María.'

Using the Personal 'a'

Think of 'contratar' as the action of signing the contract or agreement, not just starting the job. The focus is on the formal commitment.

Focus on the Agreement

Extremely common when talking about jobs and employment.

You use 'contratar' for ongoing services (like electricity or a subscription) that require a long-term agreement, whereas 'comprar' is for physical items you buy outright.

Difference from 'Comprar'

This meaning of 'contratar' is almost always used with abstract concepts like 'seguro' (insurance), 'servicio' (service), or 'paquete' (package/plan).

Use with Abstractions

Commonly used in finance, business, and daily service agreements.

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'contratar' (to hire, to employ, to contract a service). Includes full conjugations, examples, and common mistakes for A2-B2 learners.

Contratar Meaning, Conjugation & Usage | InkLingo Spanish Dictionary

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The conditional of contratar is regular: contrataría, contratarías, contrataría, contrataríamos, contrataríais, contratarían.

The future of contratar is regular: contrataré, contratarás, contratará, contrataremos, contrataréis, contratarán.

The affirmative imperative commands are: contrata (tú), contrate (usted), contratad (vosotros), contraten (ustedes).

The imperfect of contratar is regular: contrataba, contratabas, contrataba, contratábamos, contratabais, contrataban.

The imperfect subjunctive of contratar uses the -ra endings: contratara, contrataras, contratara, contratáramos, contratarais, contrataran.

The negative imperative uses 'no' + present subjunctive: no contrates, no contrate, no contratemos, no contratéis, no contraten.

The present tense of contratar is regular: contrato, contratas, contrata, contratamos, contratáis, contratan.

The present subjunctive of contratar is regular: contrate, contrates, contrate, contratemos, contratéis, contraten.

The preterite of contratar is regular: contraté, contrataste, contrató, contratamos, contratasteis, contrataron.

contratar

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🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

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