Inklingo

How to Say "establishment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “establishment” is “comercio” — use this word when referring to a physical place where goods or services are sold, like a shop or store..

comercio🔊A2

Use this word when referring to a physical place where goods or services are sold, like a shop or store.

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creaciónA2

This word refers to the act or process of bringing something new into existence, whether it's a business, a system, or a law.

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instituciónA2

Use this term for an organization, establishment, or institution, especially one that is public, private, educational, or cultural.

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sistema🔊B2

This word refers to the dominant group or elite that holds power or authority within a society or organization.

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constituciónC1

This term specifically refers to the formal act of setting up or founding a company, organization, or association.

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fundaciónC1

Use this word to describe the act of establishing a city, state, or significant organization from its very beginning.

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English → Spanish

comercio

/koh-mehr-syoh//koˈmeɾsjo/

nounA2commercial
Use this word when referring to a physical place where goods or services are sold, like a shop or store.
A brightly colored, simple illustration of the exterior of a small, inviting general store with a prominent display window showing various stylized items.

Examples

Hay un nuevo comercio de ropa en la esquina.

There is a new clothing shop on the corner.

Los pequeños comercios están sufriendo por la crisis.

Small businesses (shops) are suffering due to the crisis.

Singular vs. Plural

You can use 'comercios' (plural) to talk about many stores, just like 'tiendas' (stores).

Confusing the Place and the Activity

Mistake: “¿Dónde está el comercio de la ciudad? (meaning 'Where is the city's trade?')”

Correction: To ask for the shopping area, say: '¿Dónde está la zona comercial?' (Where is the commercial zone?) or '¿Dónde están los comercios?' (Where are the shops?).

creación

nounA2general
This word refers to the act or process of bringing something new into existence, whether it's a business, a system, or a law.

Examples

La creación de un nuevo sistema de transporte es esencial.

The creation of a new transport system is essential.

institución

nounA2formal
Use this term for an organization, establishment, or institution, especially one that is public, private, educational, or cultural.

Examples

El museo es una institución cultural muy importante.

The museum is a very important cultural institution.

sistema

sees-TEH-mah/sisˈtema/

nounB2political/sociological
This word refers to the dominant group or elite that holds power or authority within a society or organization.
A massive, smooth, gray, geometric monolith sits atop a hill, overlooking and dominating a small, organized village below, symbolizing abstract power and control.

Examples

La reforma fue rechazada por el sistema.

The reform was rejected by the establishment.

Su música critica al sistema y a sus injusticias.

His music criticizes the establishment and its injustices.

Luchar contra el sistema es una tarea difícil.

Fighting the powers that be is a difficult task.

Figurative Use

This meaning is figurative. 'El sistema' refers to the abstract concept of the ruling class or established order, not a physical set of things.

Context is Key

Mistake: “Using this meaning in a technical context.”

Correction: Don't say 'el sistema operativo' when you mean the government. Pay attention to whether the conversation is about technology, politics, or society.

constitución

nounC1legal/business
This term specifically refers to the formal act of setting up or founding a company, organization, or association.

Examples

La constitución de la empresa tomó tres meses.

The formation of the company took three months.

fundación

nounC1historical/formal
Use this word to describe the act of establishing a city, state, or significant organization from its very beginning.

Examples

La fundación de Roma ocurrió hace más de dos mil años.

The founding of Rome occurred more than two thousand years ago.

Choosing between 'comercio' and 'creación'

Learners often confuse 'comercio' and 'creación'. Remember that 'comercio' specifically means a place of business, like a shop, while 'creación' refers to the act of making or founding something, not the place itself.

Related Translations

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