Inklingo

How to Say "career" in Spanish

English → Spanish

carrera

kah-RREH-rrahkaˈreɾa

nounB1general
Use 'carrera' when referring to a specific field of study at a university that leads to a profession, or the profession itself as a course of study.
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 describe a long-term occupation or the general field of work someone is engaged in, often emphasizing the established nature of the work.

Examples

Mi hermana eligió la abogacía como profesión.

My sister chose law as a profession.

trayectoria

tra-yek-TO-ryatɾaʝekˈtoɾja

nounB2formal
Use 'trayectoria' when you want to talk about someone's entire professional history and progression over time, highlighting their achievements and development.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person walking up a series of rising steps representing professional growth.

Examples

Tiene una trayectoria profesional envidiable.

She has an enviable professional career.

El director fue premiado por su larga trayectoria en el cine.

The director was awarded for his long career in cinema.

La empresa tiene una trayectoria de éxito en el mercado.

The company has a track record of success in the market.

Describing Progress

We use this word to summarize someone's entire work life. It treats a career like a physical path moving forward through time.

Using 'Trabajo' for Career

Mistake: “Su trabajo en esta empresa es de 20 años.”

Correction: Su trayectoria en esta empresa es de 20 años. While 'trabajo' is the act of working, 'trayectoria' emphasizes the evolution and history of that work.

Choosing Between 'Carrera' and 'Profesión'

Learners often confuse 'carrera' and 'profesión'. Remember that 'carrera' often relates to the academic path or the specific job title/field, especially in university contexts. 'Profesión' is more general, referring to the occupation itself as a long-term commitment.

Related Translations

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