Inklingo

How to Say "career" in Spanish

English → Spanish

carrera

/kah-RREH-rrah//kaˈreɾa/

NounB1General
Use 'carrera' when referring to a specific field of study at a university or a particular line of work one pursues, often implying a structured path or major.
A smiling person wearing a graduation cap and gown, holding a rolled-up diploma next to a professional briefcase, symbolizing the start of a career.

Examples

¿Qué carrera estudias en la universidad?

What major are you studying at university?

Ella tiene una carrera exitosa como abogada.

She has a successful career as a lawyer.

Después de diez años, decidí cambiar de carrera.

After ten years, I decided to change careers.

Confusing 'Carrera' and 'Trabajo'

Mistake: “Mi carrera es en un banco. (My career is in a bank.)”

Correction: Mi trabajo es en un banco. (My job is in a bank.) 'Carrera' refers to your whole profession or field (like 'banking'), while 'trabajo' refers to your specific job or place of work.

profesión

nounA1General
Use 'profesión' to talk about one's occupation or vocation as a long-term commitment and a significant part of their life's work.

Examples

Mi hermana eligió la abogacía como profesión.

My sister chose law as a profession.

Carrera vs. Profesión

Learners often confuse 'carrera' and 'profesión' by using 'carrera' for any type of job. Remember that 'carrera' is strongly linked to academic study or a specific career path, while 'profesión' is a more general term for one's chosen long-term work.

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