desempeño
“desempeño” means “performance” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
performance
Also: achievement, output
📝 In Action
Su desempeño en la escuela ha mejorado mucho este mes.
A2Their performance in school has improved a lot this month.
La empresa hace una evaluación de desempeño cada seis meses.
B1The company does a performance review every six months.
Este nuevo procesador ofrece un desempeño superior en juegos.
B2This new processor offers superior performance in games.
fulfillment
Also: discharge, redemption
📝 In Action
El desempeño de sus funciones es obligatorio por ley.
C1The fulfillment of their duties is required by law.
Se dedicó al desempeño de su cargo con total honestidad.
C2He dedicated himself to the discharge of his office with total honesty.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desempeño
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the best translation for 'desempeño' in a work context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish prefix 'des-' (undoing/reversing) and 'empeño' (a pledge or debt). Originally, it meant getting something out of a pawn shop or 'un-pledging' it. Over time, it evolved to mean freeing yourself from an obligation by completing it, which led to the modern meaning of 'performance'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'desempeño' and 'rendimiento'?
They are very similar! 'Desempeño' is more about the behavior and quality of actions (how you do things), while 'rendimiento' often focuses more on the physical output or productivity (how much you produce).
Can I use 'desempeño' for a theater play?
Usually, no. For an actor's performance in a play, you would use 'actuación' or 'interpretación'. 'Desempeño' is more about jobs, tasks, or machines.
Does it have a plural form?
Yes, 'desempeños', but it is much more common to use it in the singular form to describe a general level of performance.