trabajador
“trabajador” means “worker” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
worker, employee
Also: laborer
📝 In Action
Necesitamos un trabajador para el turno de la noche.
A1We need a worker for the night shift.
La empresa tiene cien trabajadores en total.
A2The company has one hundred employees in total.
hard-working, diligent
Also: industrious
📝 In Action
Mi hermano es muy trabajador y siempre termina sus tareas a tiempo.
A2My brother is very hard-working and always finishes his tasks on time.
Los estudiantes más trabajadores obtuvieron las mejores notas.
B1The most diligent students got the best grades.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "trabajador" in Spanish:
diligent→employee→hard-working→industrious→laborer→worker→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: trabajador
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'trabajador' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the verb 'trabajar' (to work). The origin of 'trabajar' itself is fascinating, tracing back to the Latin word *tripalium*, which was a cruel instrument of torture (a device with three stakes). Over time, the word shifted from meaning 'to suffer' to meaning 'to toil' or 'to perform difficult labor,' and finally, simply 'to work.' 'Trabajador' simply means 'the one who does the work.'
First recorded: 13th century (in its verbal form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'trabajador' and 'empleado'?
'Trabajador' is a broader, more general term for anyone who works or exerts effort. 'Empleado' specifically refers to someone who is hired and paid by a boss or company (an employee). All 'empleados' are 'trabajadores', but not all 'trabajadores' (like a self-employed artist) are 'empleados'.