Inklingo

How to Say "assignment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “assignment” is “tarea” — use 'tarea' specifically for schoolwork or homework assigned to students.

tarea🔊A1

Use 'tarea' specifically for schoolwork or homework assigned to students.

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asignaciónA2

Use 'asignación' for a general task or piece of work given to someone, often in a professional or formal setting.

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misiónA2

Use 'misión' when the assignment is a specific, important task or duty with a clear objective, often implying a sense of purpose.

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encargo🔊B1

Use 'encargo' when an assignment is a specific job or duty entrusted to someone, often by a superior.

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delegaciónB2

Use 'delegación' to refer to the act of assigning or handing over responsibility or tasks to another person.

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transferencia🔊B2

Use 'transferencia' in a legal or formal context, referring to the act of transferring rights, duties, or property.

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English → Spanish

tarea

tah-REH-ahtaˈɾea

nounA1informal, educational
Use 'tarea' specifically for schoolwork or homework assigned to students.
A young student sitting at a wooden desk with an open textbook and notebook, holding a pencil, focused on completing their school assignment.

Examples

¿Hiciste la tarea de matemáticas?

Did you do the math homework?

La profesora nos dio mucha tarea para el fin de semana.

The teacher gave us a lot of homework for the weekend.

Gender Check

Remember 'tarea' is feminine, so you must use 'la tarea' (the homework) and not 'el tarea'.

Confusing Tarea and Trabajo

Mistake: “Usando 'Mi trabajo es difícil' cuando se refiere a la tarea escolar.”

Correction: Use 'Mi tarea es difícil' when talking about school assignments. 'Trabajo' usually means paid employment or a large project.

asignación

nounA2general, formal
Use 'asignación' for a general task or piece of work given to someone, often in a professional or formal setting.

Examples

Tengo una nueva asignación en mi clase de español.

I have a new assignment in my Spanish class.

misión

nounA2general, formal
Use 'misión' when the assignment is a specific, important task or duty with a clear objective, often implying a sense of purpose.

Examples

Mi misión es ayudar a los demás.

My mission is to help others.

encargo

en-CAR-goenˈkaɾ.ɣo

nounB1general, professional
Use 'encargo' when an assignment is a specific job or duty entrusted to someone, often by a superior.
A cheerful rabbit hands a rolled-up blueprint tied with a red ribbon to a smiling fox, symbolizing the transfer of an assignment or duty.

Examples

Mi jefe me dio el encargo de organizar la reunión.

My boss gave me the assignment of organizing the meeting.

¿Puedes hacer un encargo por mí? Necesito ir al banco.

Can you run an errand for me? I need to go to the bank.

El pintor terminó el encargo de la familia real.

The painter finished the commission for the royal family.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'encargo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' with it.

Confusing 'encargo' and 'cargo'

Mistake: “Using 'cargo' (position/job title) when you mean 'encargo' (specific task).”

Correction: If you are talking about a specific duty or task, use 'encargo'. If you are talking about a permanent job title (like 'manager'), use 'cargo'.

delegación

nounB2professional, formal
Use 'delegación' to refer to the act of assigning or handing over responsibility or tasks to another person.

Examples

La delegación de tareas es vital para un buen líder.

The delegation of tasks is vital for a good leader.

transferencia

trans-feh-REN-see-ahtɾansfeˈɾensja

nounB2legal, formal
Use 'transferencia' in a legal or formal context, referring to the act of transferring rights, duties, or property.
A storybook illustration showing a bright red box floating or being carried across a short gap from a green platform onto a blue platform, illustrating the concept of physical transfer.

Examples

La transferencia de datos al nuevo servidor fue exitosa.

The data transfer to the new server was successful.

Solicitó la transferencia a otra sucursal de la empresa.

She requested the transfer to another branch of the company.

La transferencia de propiedad del coche requiere mucho papeleo.

The transfer of car ownership requires a lot of paperwork.

Prepositions with Movement

When talking about physical movement, you usually use the preposition 'a' (to) or 'de' (from): 'transferencia de personal a otra ciudad' (transfer of personnel to another city).

Tarea vs. Asignación

The most common confusion is between 'tarea' and 'asignación'. Remember that 'tarea' is almost exclusively used for schoolwork, while 'asignación' is a more general term for any task or piece of work assigned, especially in professional contexts.

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