paro
PAH-roh
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Estar en el paro'
To say someone is unemployed, use the phrase 'estar en el paro' (literally: to be in the unemployment). This is extremely common in Spain.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Paro' and 'Huelga'
Mistake: "Using 'paro' only for a large, formal labor strike."
Correction: 'Huelga' is the more specific term for a formal strike. 'Paro' can mean a general stoppage or simply unemployment.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
'Paro' is often used in everyday conversation, while 'desempleo' is usually reserved for economic reports or more formal discussions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: paro
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'paro' in the context of economics?
📚 More Resources
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.