parado
“parado” means “standing” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
standing, stopped
Also: parked
📝 In Action
Estuvo parado en la esquina esperando el autobús.
A1He was standing on the corner waiting for the bus.
El coche se quedó parado en medio de la carretera.
A2The car was left stopped in the middle of the road.
unemployed
Also: jobless
📝 In Action
La tasa de gente parada subió este mes.
B1The rate of unemployed people rose this month.
Mi hermano lleva seis meses parado.
B2My brother has been unemployed for six months.
stopped
Also: halted
📝 In Action
Hemos parado en la gasolinera para llenar el tanque.
A2We have stopped at the gas station to fill the tank.
El tren había parado justo antes de la estación.
B1The train had stopped just before the station.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: parado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'parado' to mean 'unemployed'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Parado' comes from the verb 'parar', which traces back to the Latin verb *parare*, meaning 'to prepare' or 'to make ready'. Over time, its meaning shifted in Spanish to 'bring to a halt' or 'to stop,' as if preparing something by setting it down.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'parado' sometimes mean 'unemployed'?
This meaning comes from the idea of being 'stopped' or 'halted' in one's work or career. It's like a machine that has stopped running. This usage is especially common in Spain.
Should I use 'parado' or 'de pie' when talking about standing up?
'De pie' is the clearest way to say 'on one's feet' or 'upright.' 'Parado' is better when describing something (or someone) that is stationary or not moving, often because an action has stopped.