oficio
/oh-FEE-syoh/
trade
Oficio can refer to a specific skilled trade, like carpentry.
oficio(noun)
trade
?skilled manual work, like carpentry or plumbing
,craft
?a specific manual skill
vocation
?a calling, especially for manual work
📝 In Action
Mi abuelo aprendió el oficio de zapatero a los quince años.
A2My grandfather learned the trade of shoemaker when he was fifteen.
Se necesita mucha paciencia para dominar este oficio.
B1A lot of patience is needed to master this craft.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Even though 'oficio' ends in '-o', it is always used with masculine articles: 'el oficio', 'un oficio'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Oficio vs. Trabajo
Use 'oficio' specifically for jobs that involve hands-on, skilled work, like a baker or mechanic. Use 'trabajo' for work in general.
Oficio is a general term for one's occupation or job.
📝 In Action
El oficio de médico requiere muchos años de estudio.
B2The profession of doctor requires many years of study.
Su oficio es servir a la comunidad.
B1His duty (or calling) is to serve the community.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Use
This meaning is often used in official forms or formal settings where you might be asked to state your 'occupation'.
Oficio can also mean an official letter or formal communication between organizations.
oficio(noun)
official letter
?formal communication between institutions
,memo
?inter-office document
religious service
?divine office (specialized religious context)
📝 In Action
El juez envió un oficio a la policía para solicitar los informes.
C1The judge sent an official letter to the police to request the reports.
Tuvimos que responder al oficio del ayuntamiento rápidamente.
C1We had to respond to the town hall's official document quickly.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
This meaning is very specific. You will only encounter 'oficio' used this way when dealing with bureaucracy, government, or legal matters.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oficio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'oficio' in the sense of a skilled manual job?
📚 More Resources
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.'