industria
/in-DUS-tria/
industry
As an economic sector, industria refers to manufacturing and production.
industria(noun)
industry
?economic sector or manufacturing
manufacturing
?the physical production of goods
,business
?as in 'the film business'
📝 In Action
La industria automotriz genera millones de empleos.
A2The automotive industry generates millions of jobs.
Necesitamos invertir más en industria pesada.
B1We need to invest more in heavy industry (manufacturing).
La industria del cine en México está creciendo mucho.
B2The film industry in Mexico is growing rapidly.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Since 'industria' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun. You must always use the feminine article 'la' (the) or 'una' (a/an) before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Industria' and 'Fábrica'
Mistake: "Using 'industria' when you mean a specific building."
Correction: 'Industria' refers to the whole economic category, while 'fábrica' means a specific factory building. (e.g., 'Trabajo en una fábrica' / I work in a factory.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Adjective Form
When you want to describe something as being related to industry, use the adjective 'industrial' (e.g., 'política industrial').
In another context, industria means diligence, persistence, or hard work.
📝 In Action
Demostró gran industria al reparar el motor él mismo.
C1He showed great skill/ingenuity in repairing the engine himself.
Gracias a su industria, la familia prosperó.
B2Thanks to their diligence/hard work, the family prospered.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
This meaning is often found in conjunction with adjectives like 'gran' (great) or 'mucha' (much) to emphasize the effort or skill involved.
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative Word Choices
For this meaning, modern Spanish speakers usually prefer words like 'esfuerzo' (effort) or 'habilidad' (ability) to avoid confusion with the 'sector' meaning.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: industria
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'industria' in its less common meaning of 'skill' or 'diligence'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'industria' always feminine?
Yes, 'industria' is a feminine noun, regardless of which meaning you are using. You must use 'la' or 'una' before it.
What is the difference between 'industria' and 'negocio'?
'Industria' refers specifically to the large-scale production, manufacturing, or a whole economic sector (like the mining industry). 'Negocio' is a broader term meaning 'business' or 'deal,' referring to commercial activity in general.