contratar
/cohn-trah-TAR/
to hire
When you contratar (hire) someone, you employ them for a job.
contratar(verb)
to hire
?to employ someone for a job
,to employ
?to give someone work
to take on staff
?business context
📝 In Action
La empresa necesita contratar a tres ingenieros nuevos.
A2The company needs to hire three new engineers.
Contratamos un equipo de limpieza para la oficina.
B1We hired a cleaning team for the office.
Si te contratan, tendrás un buen salario.
B1If they employ you, you will have a good salary.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 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.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Personal 'a'
Mistake: "Quieren contratar un nuevo chef."
Correction: Quieren contratar **a** un nuevo chef. (Always use 'a' before a direct human object.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Agreement
Think of 'contratar' as the action of signing the contract or agreement, not just starting the job. The focus is on the formal commitment.
To contratar can also mean to contract, making a formal agreement for services.
contratar(verb)
to contract
?to make a formal agreement for services
,to take out
?insurance, a loan, or a policy
to sign up for
?a phone plan or utility service
📝 In Action
Contratamos el servicio de internet más rápido que tenían.
B1We contracted the fastest internet service they had.
¿Ya contrataste un seguro para tu coche nuevo?
B2Did you already take out insurance for your new car?
Antes de viajar, debemos contratar asistencia médica.
B2Before traveling, we must contract medical assistance.
💡 Grammar Points
Difference from 'Comprar'
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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Abstractions
This meaning of 'contratar' is almost always used with abstract concepts like 'seguro' (insurance), 'servicio' (service), or 'paquete' (package/plan).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contratar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'contratar' in the sense of 'taking out a service'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'contratar' y 'alquilar'?
'Contratar' means to hire a person or sign up for a long-term service (like a phone plan). 'Alquilar' means to rent a physical item for a limited time (like a car or an apartment).
Does 'contratar' always require the personal 'a'?
Only when you are hiring a specific person or group of people. If you are contracting a service or an abstract entity (like 'insurance'), you do not use the 'a': 'Contratamos el seguro' (We contracted the insurance).