Inklingo

How to Say "craft" in Spanish

English → Spanish

oficio

oh-FEE-syoh/oˈfiθjo/

nounA2general
Use 'oficio' when referring to a manual skill or trade, especially one learned through apprenticeship, like carpentry or shoemaking.
A carpenter wearing a tool belt is sanding a piece of wood on a workbench in a brightly lit workshop.

Examples

Mi abuelo aprendió el oficio de zapatero a los quince años.

My grandfather learned the trade of shoemaker when he was fifteen.

Se necesita mucha paciencia para dominar este oficio.

A lot of patience is needed to master this craft.

Masculine Noun

Even though 'oficio' ends in '-o', it is always used with masculine articles: 'el oficio', 'un oficio'.

arte

/ar-te//ˈaɾte/

nounB1general
Choose 'arte' when 'craft' refers to a particular skill or knack, often in an artistic or creative context, emphasizing talent rather than a trade.
A pair of hands demonstrating great focus and precision while shaping wet clay on a spinning pottery wheel.

Examples

La costurera tiene un gran arte para diseñar vestidos.

The seamstress has a great skill for designing dresses.

El arte de la oratoria es saber qué decir y cuándo callar.

The art of public speaking is knowing what to say and when to be quiet.

Hacer ese postre es todo un arte; requiere paciencia.

Making that dessert is quite a craft; it requires patience.

Used for Mastery

In this meaning, 'arte' describes not just any ability, but a highly developed, almost creative mastery of a particular activity (like cooking, debating, or negotiation).

nave

/NAH-beh//ˈna.βe/

nounB1general
Use 'nave' specifically when 'craft' refers to a vehicle that travels in space or the sea, such as a spacecraft or ship.
A large, sleek blue and white spaceship flying through the dark expanse of space, surrounded by stars.

Examples

La nave espacial despegó hacia Marte.

The spaceship took off towards Mars.

El pirata comandaba una nave muy rápida.

The pirate commanded a very fast ship.

Vimos una enorme nave de carga en el puerto.

We saw a huge cargo ship in the port.

It's a Feminine Noun

Even though it doesn't end in '-a', 'nave' is a feminine word. So you'll always use 'la nave' or 'una nave'.

'Nave' vs. 'Barco'

Mistake: “Using 'nave' for a small fishing boat.”

Correction: Use 'barco' or 'bote' for smaller boats. 'Nave' sounds big, like a cargo ship, a cruise ship, or a spaceship.

Oficio vs. Arte

Learners often confuse 'oficio' and 'arte'. Remember that 'oficio' implies a learned manual trade, while 'arte' refers more broadly to skill, talent, or a knack, especially in creative fields.

Related Translations

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