despacho
“despacho” means “office” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
office, study
Also: consulting room
📝 In Action
El abogado tiene su despacho en el tercer piso.
A2The lawyer has his office on the third floor.
Necesito ir a mi despacho para terminar este informe.
B1I need to go to my study to finish this report.
firm, dispatch
Also: service, shipment
📝 In Action
El despacho de la mercancía se retrasó por la aduana.
B2The dispatch (shipment) of the merchandise was delayed by customs.
Contratamos un despacho de arquitectura muy prestigioso.
B1We hired a very prestigious architecture firm.
I dispatch, I serve
Also: I deal with
📝 In Action
Yo despacho todos los pedidos antes de las cinco.
A2I dispatch (send out) all the orders before five o'clock.
En el banco, yo despacho a los clientes que necesitan retirar efectivo.
B1At the bank, I serve the clients who need to withdraw cash.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "despacho" in Spanish:
consulting room→dispatch→firm→i dispatch→i serve→office→service→shipment→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: despacho
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences uses 'despacho' as a physical location?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'despachar' (to dispatch, hurry up, or send off), which itself comes from the Old Spanish 'despachar,' possibly influenced by the Latin 'pactare' (to pack/arrange), suggesting the meaning of 'un-packing' or 'getting rid of' tasks or goods quickly.
First recorded: 14th 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 'despacho' and 'oficina'?
'Oficina' is the general word for office (like a corporate floor or a specific department). 'Despacho' is often used specifically for a private, individual office (like a boss's room or a doctor's consulting room) or for a professional firm (like a law firm or consulting agency).
Is 'despacho' related to 'despachar'?
Yes, absolutely! The noun 'despacho' (office/dispatch) is derived from the verb 'despachar' (to dispatch, to serve, or to handle business). The word 'despacho' is also the 'yo' (I) form of the verb in the present tense.