Inklingo

How to Say "companies" in Spanish

English → Spanish

empresas

ehm-PREH-sas/emˈpɾe.sas/

nounA1general
Use 'empresas' for general references to businesses, corporations, or firms, especially when discussing their economic impact or size.
A colorful storybook illustration showing three distinct, stylized corporate office buildings standing close together, representing different companies.

Examples

Las grandes empresas generan muchos empleos.

Large companies generate many jobs.

Mi hermana trabaja para tres empresas diferentes.

My sister works for three different businesses.

Necesitamos más empresas que inviertan en tecnología.

We need more firms that invest in technology.

Feminine Plural

Since the singular word 'empresa' is feminine, the plural 'empresas' must be used with feminine plural articles and adjectives (e.g., 'las empresas buenas').

Singular vs. Plural

Remember that 'empresa' means one company, and 'empresas' means two or more companies. It follows the standard rule of adding an 's' to form the plural.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Los empresas”

Correction: Las empresas. Even though it ends in 's', the word is feminine, so use 'las'.

compañías

nounB1general
Use 'compañías' when referring to specific business entities, often implying a formal corporate structure or a partnership.

Examples

Muchas compañías de tecnología están contratando nuevos empleados.

Many technology companies are hiring new employees.

Choosing Between 'Empresas' and 'Compañías'

Learners often use 'compañías' too broadly. Remember that 'empresas' is the more common and versatile term for 'companies' in general conversation and business contexts.

Related Translations

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