paro
“paro” means “unemployment” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
unemployment
Also: strike, stoppage
📝 In Action
El paro juvenil es un gran problema social en el país.
B2Youth unemployment is a major social problem in the country.
Después de tres meses en el paro, encontró un nuevo trabajo.
B1After three months of being unemployed (on the dole), he found a new job.
Los sindicatos han convocado un paro general.
B2The unions have called for a general strike.
I stop
Also: I stand up, I prevent
📝 In Action
Yo paro el coche justo delante de la puerta.
A1I stop the car right in front of the door.
Cuando suena la alarma, yo paro de trabajar inmediatamente.
A1When the alarm rings, I stop working immediately.
En el fútbol, yo paro el penalti y ganamos.
B1In soccer, I save the penalty kick and we win.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: paro
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'paro' in the context of economics?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the verb 'parar,' which itself evolved from a Vulgar Latin word meaning 'to prepare' or 'to make ready.' The sense of 'stopping' developed from the idea of making something ready or fixed in place. The noun 'paro' (unemployment) is a direct derivation of the verb 'to stop working.'
First recorded: Medieval period (as the verb 'parar')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'paro' and 'desempleo'?
Both mean unemployment. 'Desempleo' is the more formal, technical, and universal term. 'Paro' is very common in Spain and often used informally, especially when talking about receiving unemployment benefits ('cobrar el paro').
How can I tell if 'paro' means 'unemployment' or 'I stop'?
Look at the small words around it! If you see 'el paro' (the unemployment), it's the noun. If you see 'yo paro' or it's part of a sentence where 'I' am the one doing the action, it's the verb form.