empleo

/em-PLEH-oh/

job

A colorful storybook illustration showing a cheerful person wearing professional attire sitting at a clean desk with a laptop and a potted plant, representing a job or position of work.

When referring to a position of work, empleo means job.

empleo(noun)

mA1

job

a position of work

Also:

employment

the state of having a job

occupation

formal term for one's profession

📝 In Action

Busco un empleo a tiempo parcial para pagar mis estudios.

I am looking for a part-time job to pay for my studies.

Mi hermano consiguió un nuevo empleo en una empresa de tecnología.

My brother got a new job at a technology company.

El nivel de empleo en la región ha mejorado significativamente este año.

The employment level in the region has improved significantly this year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

trabajo (work, job)
puesto (position, post)

Antonyms

desempleo (unemployment)

Common Collocations

buscar empleo – to look for a job
oferta de empleo – job offer
agencia de empleo – employment agency

💡 Grammar Points

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', it is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'un buen empleo'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Empleo and Trabajo

Mistake: "Using 'trabajo' when referring to the state of being employed (e.g., 'el nivel de trabajo')."

Correction: Use 'empleo' for the general state or availability of jobs: 'el nivel de empleo' (employment level). Use 'trabajo' for the effort or the place where you work.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Common

'Empleo' is slightly more formal, especially when discussing the economy or official statistics. 'Trabajo' is often preferred in casual conversation.

A colorful storybook illustration focusing on two hands holding a simple wooden hammer, actively using it to hit a nail into a piece of wood, demonstrating utilization or use.

Empleo also means use, referring to the utilization of resources or methods.

empleo(noun)

mB2

use

utilization of resources or methods

Also:

application

putting a theory into practice

utilization

the act of using something

📝 In Action

El empleo de nuevas tecnologías mejoró la producción.

The use of new technologies improved production.

Se requiere un empleo cuidadoso de las sustancias químicas.

Careful application of the chemical substances is required.

Word Connections

Synonyms

uso (use)
utilización (utilization)

Common Collocations

empleo eficiente – efficient use
empleo de la fuerza – use of force

💡 Grammar Points

Formal Context

In most everyday situations, the simple word 'uso' is preferred for 'use.' 'Empleo' is often reserved for formal writing, technical manuals, or professional discourse.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: empleo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'empleo' in its primary meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

emplear(to employ, to use) - verb

empleado(employee) - noun

desempleo(unemployment) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'empleo' the same as 'trabajo'?

'Empleo' and 'trabajo' both mean 'job' or 'work', but 'empleo' specifically focuses on the *position* or the state of being *employed* (like 'employment'). 'Trabajo' can refer to the effort, the physical activity, or the place of work. They are often interchangeable, but 'empleo' is better for formal contexts like job hunting or economic reports.

Does 'empleo' also mean 'I use' or 'I employ'?

Yes, 'empleo' is also the 'yo' (I) form of the verb 'emplear' (to use/to employ) in the present tense (e.g., 'Yo empleo mi tiempo libre para leer' - I use my free time to read). You must rely on the context of the sentence to know if it's the noun ('the job') or the verb ('I use').