A colorful storybook illustration showing three diverse workers (one in a hard hat, one in scrubs, one in a business shirt) standing shoulder to shoulder, linking arms in a display of collective strength and unity.

sindicato

sin-dee-KAH-toh

nounmB1

union?labor organization,trade union?formal term for a workers' organization

Also:labor union?US usage

📝 In Action

El sindicato convocó una huelga para protestar por los despidos.

The union called a strike to protest the layoffs.

Todos los trabajadores de la fábrica se unieron al sindicato.

All the factory workers joined the union.

El presidente del sindicato dio una rueda de prensa.

The president of the union gave a press conference.

Word Connections

Synonyms

gremio (guild, association (often professional))
asociación de trabajadores (workers' association)

Common Collocations

afiliarse a un sindicato – to join a union
líder sindical – union leader
negociar con el sindicato – to negotiate with the union

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Although many Spanish words ending in -a are feminine, 'sindicato' ends in -o and is always masculine: 'el sindicato' (the union).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: "Using 'sindical' (the adjective) when you mean the organization. E.g., 'El sindical es fuerte.'"

Correction: Use the noun: 'El sindicato es fuerte.' ('Sindical' is only used to describe something related to the union, like 'actividad sindical' - union activity.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

This word is often used in discussions about labor laws, politics, and economics. It refers to a formal, organized group protecting workers' rights.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sindicato

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es la traducción más común de 'sindicato' en el contexto laboral?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

sindical(union-related (adjective)) - adjective

sindicalista(union member/activist (noun)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'sindicato' lo mismo que 'asociación'?

Not exactly. While both are associations, a 'sindicato' specifically refers to an organization of workers focused on labor rights, wages, and working conditions. 'Asociación' is a broader term for any general club or group.

¿Cómo se dice 'union member' en español?

The most common term is 'sindicalista' or 'miembro del sindicato'.