trayectoria
“trayectoria” means “path” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
path
Also: trajectory, flight path
📝 In Action
El portero calculó mal la trayectoria del balón.
B1The goalkeeper miscalculated the ball's path.
Los científicos estudian la trayectoria del asteroide.
B2The scientists are studying the asteroid's trajectory.
El viento puede cambiar la trayectoria de la flecha.
B1The wind can change the arrow's flight path.
career
Also: track record, background
📝 In Action
Tiene una trayectoria profesional envidiable.
B2She has an enviable professional career.
El director fue premiado por su larga trayectoria en el cine.
C1The director was awarded for his long career in cinema.
La empresa tiene una trayectoria de éxito en el mercado.
B2The company has a track record of success in the market.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: trayectoria
Question 1 of 3
If an actor has been working for 40 years, you would talk about their...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'traiectus', which means 'crossing over' or 'passed through.' It shares the same roots as 'traer' (to bring) and 'proyectar' (to project).
First recorded: 18th century (in its modern scientific sense)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'trayectoria' only for professional jobs?
Not at all. While common in resumes, it's also used for artists, athletes, or even the historical 'path' of a political movement or a company.
Can I use 'trayectoria' to describe a walk in the park?
Technically yes, if you are describing the line you walked on a map, but usually 'camino' or 'recorrido' is more natural for casual walking.
Is it 'el' or 'la' trayectoria?
It is always 'la trayectoria' because it is a feminine noun.