formación
/for-mah-syohn/
training
Formación, meaning professional training or instruction.
formación(noun)
training
?professional skills
,education
?academic background
background
?personal history of studies
,development
?skill growth
📝 In Action
Necesitas más formación para ese puesto de trabajo.
A2You need more training for that job position.
Mi formación académica es en ingeniería.
B1My academic background is in engineering.
El departamento ofrece formación continua a sus empleados.
B2The department offers ongoing training to its employees.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with this word: 'La formación' (The training), 'una buena formación' (a good training).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Formación and Educación
Mistake: "Using 'educación' when referring specifically to job skills."
Correction: Use 'formación' for specific skills or professional training, and 'educación' for the broader concept of schooling or upbringing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Verbs
This word often follows verbs like 'recibir' (to receive), 'ofrecer' (to offer), or 'tener' (to have/possess).
Formación describing a structured arrangement or shape, like a flight formation.
formación(noun)
formation
?structure, shape, arrangement
shape
?physical outline
,build
?physical structure (of a person/thing)
📝 In Action
Vimos una formación rocosa muy extraña en el desierto.
B2We saw a very strange rock formation in the desert.
Los soldados mantuvieron la formación en línea recta.
C1The soldiers maintained the formation in a straight line.
La formación de un nuevo gobierno puede tardar meses.
C1The formation of a new government can take months.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract vs. Concrete
In this sense, 'formación' can refer to the abstract act of creating something (the formation of a plan) or a concrete result (a rock formation).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If you see 'formación' used with words related to nature, geology, or the military, it almost certainly means 'shape' or 'arrangement,' not 'schooling.'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: formación
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'formación' in the sense of 'structure' or 'shape'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'formación' the same as 'carrera'?
'Formación' refers to the process of gaining skills or knowledge (training or education). 'Carrera' usually means a specific academic path (like a degree) or a professional career over time. You might complete a 'carrera' to get a 'formación'.
How can I tell if 'formación' means 'training' or 'shape'?
Look at the surrounding words. If you see 'académica,' 'profesional,' or 'curso,' it means training. If you see 'rocosa,' 'militar,' or 'nubes,' it means shape or structure.