Inklingo

How to Say "dismissal" in Spanish

English → Spanish

despido

des-PEE-dohdesˈpiðo

nounB1general
Use 'despido' when referring specifically to the act of losing one's employment, whether through firing or redundancy.
A person walking away from a building holding a cardboard box filled with office supplies.

Examples

El despido fue totalmente inesperado para todos los empleados.

The dismissal was totally unexpected for all the employees.

Recibió una indemnización tras su despido.

He received a compensation payment after his firing.

Masculine naming word

This word is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it (el despido).

Confusing the noun and verb

Mistake:Using 'el despido' to say 'I say goodbye'.

Correction: Use 'el despido' for the event (the firing) and just 'despido' without 'el' when you are performing the action (I fire/say goodbye).

cese

SAY-sayˈθese

nounB2formal
Use 'cese' to refer to the cessation or stopping of an activity, position, or conflict, especially in formal or official contexts like a ceasefire or resignation.
A hand turning a silver faucet handle to stop a drip of water.

Examples

Las Naciones Unidas pidieron un cese del fuego inmediato.

The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire.

El cese del director sorprendió a toda la oficina.

The director's dismissal surprised the whole office.

Tras el cese de las lluvias, pudimos salir a caminar.

After the rain stopped, we were able to go for a walk.

Using 'el' with cese

Even though it ends in 'e', 'cese' is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Confusing 'cese' with 'parada'

Mistake:Hicimos un cese en el camino.

Correction: Hicimos una parada en el camino. Use 'cese' for a final stop or formal end, but 'parada' for a quick pause or break.

Job Loss vs. Stopping Something

The most common mistake is using 'cese' when you mean someone has lost their job. Remember, 'despido' is specifically for job termination, while 'cese' is a broader term for stopping any kind of action or position.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.