despido
“despido” means “dismissal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dismissal, firing
Also: redundancy
📝 In Action
El despido fue totalmente inesperado para todos los empleados.
B1The dismissal was totally unexpected for all the employees.
Recibió una indemnización tras su despido.
B2He received a compensation payment after his firing.
I fire, I say goodbye
Also: I see off
📝 In Action
Hoy me despido de mis compañeros porque es mi último día.
A2Today I say goodbye to my colleagues because it's my last day.
Yo no despido a la gente sin una buena razón.
B1I don't fire people without a good reason.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: despido
Question 1 of 2
If you are leaving a party and say 'Me despido de todos', what are you doing?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'despedir', which originally meant to 'let go' or 'release' someone from service.
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
Is 'despido' always a bad thing?
As a noun, it usually refers to losing a job, which is often negative. However, as a verb form ('me despido'), it is a polite way to say goodbye.
What is the difference between 'despido' and 'adiós'?
'Adiós' is the word for 'Goodbye'. 'Despido' is the action of saying it. You would say 'Me despido' (I am saying goodbye), but you wouldn't just say 'Despido!' as a greeting.