How to Say "commute" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “commute” is “desplazamiento” — use 'desplazamiento' specifically when referring to the regular travel to and from a place of work or study.
desplazamiento
des-pla-sah-MYEN-tohdesplaθaˈmjento
Examples
Mi desplazamiento diario al trabajo dura una hora.
My daily commute to work lasts an hour.
La empresa paga los gastos de desplazamiento.
The company pays for travel expenses.
Mi tiempo de desplazamiento es de una hora.
My commute time is one hour.
Evite desplazamientos innecesarios durante la tormenta.
Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.
Plural Usage
In professional contexts, this word is often used in plural ('desplazamientos') to refer to multiple business trips or general travel requirements.
Travel vs. Trip
Mistake: “Saying 'hacer un desplazamiento' for a vacation.”
Correction: Use 'hacer un viaje' for vacations. 'Desplazamiento' is more about the logistical act of getting there.
traslado
trah-SLAH-dohtɾasˈlaðo
Examples
El traslado de mobiliario a la nueva sede será el lunes.
The transfer of furniture to the new headquarters will be on Monday.
El traslado a la nueva oficina será este viernes.
The move to the new office will be this Friday.
Mi primo pidió un traslado a la sucursal de Madrid.
My cousin asked for a transfer to the Madrid branch.
La empresa pagará todos los gastos de traslado.
The company will pay for all the relocation expenses.
Noun vs. Verb
Even though it looks like the 'I' form of the verb 'trasladar' (I move), it is almost always used as a masculine noun meaning 'the move' or 'the transfer'.
Traslado vs. Mudanza
Mistake: “Using 'traslado' when you specifically mean moving all your furniture and belongings to a new home.”
Correction: Use 'mudanza' for moving house, and 'traslado' for the more general act of moving something, someone, or a work position.
Daily Commute vs. Moving Locations
Related Translations
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