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How to Say "employment" in Spanish

English → Spanish

empleo

em-PLEH-oh/emˈpleo/

nounA1general
Use 'empleo' when referring to the general state of having a job or the job itself, especially in everyday contexts.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a cheerful person wearing professional attire sitting at a clean desk with a laptop and a potted plant, representing a job or position of work.

Examples

Busco un empleo a tiempo parcial para pagar mis estudios.

I am looking for a part-time job to pay for my studies.

Mi hermano consiguió un nuevo empleo en una empresa de tecnología.

My brother got a new job at a technology company.

El nivel de empleo en la región ha mejorado significativamente este año.

The employment level in the region has improved significantly this year.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', it is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'un buen empleo'.

Confusing Empleo and Trabajo

Mistake: “Using 'trabajo' when referring to the state of being employed (e.g., 'el nivel de trabajo').”

Correction: Use 'empleo' for the general state or availability of jobs: 'el nivel de empleo' (employment level). Use 'trabajo' for the effort or the place where you work.

colocación

nounB2formal
Use 'colocación' when referring to the process or result of being placed in a specific position or job, often facilitated by an agency.

Examples

La agencia de colocación le ayudó a encontrar un nuevo empleo.

The placement agency helped him find a new job.

General vs. Specific Job Context

The most common mistake is using 'colocación' when you simply mean 'a job' or 'having a job'. Reserve 'colocación' for when the act of being placed or finding a position is the focus, especially through formal channels.

Related Translations

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