contratado
“contratado” means “hired” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
hired
Also: contracted
📝 In Action
El jardinero fue contratado para trabajar tres días a la semana.
A2The gardener was hired to work three days a week.
La consultoría contratada presentó su informe final hoy.
B1The contracted consultancy presented its final report today.
Asegúrate de que los servicios contratados cumplan con la normativa.
B2Make sure that the contracted services comply with the regulations.
employee
Also: contractor
📝 In Action
Cada nuevo contratado debe firmar un acuerdo de confidencialidad.
B1Every new employee must sign a confidentiality agreement.
Los contratados temporales no reciben los mismos beneficios que los fijos.
B2Temporary contractors do not receive the same benefits as permanent ones.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: contratado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'contratado' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *contractus*, meaning 'drawn together' or 'bound by agreement'. The Spanish verb 'contratar' (to contract/hire) came first, and 'contratado' is simply the form used to describe someone who has received that action.
First recorded: 15th century (in its modern Spanish form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'contratado' only used for people?
No. While it often refers to an employee, it is the past participle of 'contratar' (to contract), so it can describe anything that has been agreed upon or secured by contract, such as 'servicios contratados' (contracted services) or 'un seguro contratado' (a contracted insurance policy).
How is 'contratado' different from 'empleado'?
'Contratado' specifically emphasizes the action of being hired or the existence of a contract. 'Empleado' is a more general term for 'employee' or 'worker' and is usually the preferred noun in casual conversation.