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oficio

oh-FEE-syohoˈfiθjo

trade, craft

Also: vocation
NounmA2
A carpenter wearing a tool belt is sanding a piece of wood on a workbench in a brightly lit workshop.

📝 In Action

Mi abuelo aprendió el oficio de zapatero a los quince años.

A2

My grandfather learned the trade of shoemaker when he was fifteen.

Se necesita mucha paciencia para dominar este oficio.

B1

A lot of patience is needed to master this craft.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • artesanía (craftsmanship)
  • labor (manual labor)

Common Collocations

  • aprender un oficio – to learn a trade
  • maestro de oficio – master craftsman

occupation, profession

NounmB1
A smiling chef in a white hat and uniform is stirring a large pot on a stove in a bright kitchen.

📝 In Action

El oficio de médico requiere muchos años de estudio.

B2

The profession of doctor requires many years of study.

Su oficio es servir a la comunidad.

B1

His duty (or calling) is to serve the community.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • profesión (profession)
  • ocupación (occupation)

Common Collocations

  • ejercer un oficio – to practice a profession

Idioms & Expressions

  • de oficio – by official duty or by the court's initiative

official letter, memo

Also: religious service
NounmC1formal
A thick, rolled parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon and sealed with a prominent golden wax stamp rests upon an ornate wooden table.

📝 In Action

El juez envió un oficio a la policía para solicitar los informes.

C1

The judge sent an official letter to the police to request the reports.

Tuvimos que responder al oficio del ayuntamiento rápidamente.

C1

We had to respond to the town hall's official document quickly.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • remitir un oficio – to send an official letter

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: oficio

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'oficio' in the sense of a skilled manual job?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
oficial(official (adjective)) — Adjective
oficiar(to officiate or perform a religious service) — Verb
oficinista(office worker) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'oficio' comes directly from the Latin word 'officium,' which meant 'duty,' 'service,' or 'office.' This connection explains why the Spanish word can refer to both a personal duty (a trade) and a formal governmental duty (an official document).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: ufficioPortuguese: ofício

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'oficio' and 'profesión'?

'Oficio' usually refers to a technical or skilled manual job that is learned through experience or apprenticeship (like a carpenter or tailor). 'Profesión' typically refers to a job that requires a university degree or formal academic training (like a lawyer or engineer).

Can 'oficio' refer to a religious ceremony?

Yes, in formal or religious settings, 'oficio' can mean a formal religious service or duty, often translated as 'divine office' or 'service.'