How to Say "establishment" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “establishment” is “establecimiento” — use this word for a physical place of business, such as a shop, restaurant, or hotel.
establecimiento
es-tah-bleh-see-myehn-tohestaβlesiˈmjento
Examples
Este establecimiento está abierto las veinticuatro horas.
This establishment is open twenty-four hours a day.
No se permite fumar dentro del establecimiento.
Smoking is not allowed inside the establishment.
Es un establecimiento familiar fundado en 1950.
It is a family business founded in 1950.
El establecimiento de la paz fue un proceso largo.
The establishment of peace was a long process.
Always Masculine
Even though it refers to a shop (una tienda), the word itself is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un'.
A Formal Alternative
Use this word when you want to sound more professional than just saying 'tienda' (shop) or 'restaurante'.
Nouns from Verbs
This is the noun form of the verb 'establecer'. Many Spanish nouns ending in '-miento' come from verbs.
Confusing with 'The Establishment'
Mistake: “Using it to mean 'the people in power' like in English politics.”
Correction: In Spanish, use 'el sistema' or 'el poder establecido' for that political concept.
comercio
koh-mehr-syohkoˈmeɾsjo
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?).
institución
Examples
El museo es una institución cultural muy importante.
The museum is a very important cultural institution.
creación
Examples
La creación de un nuevo sistema de transporte es esencial.
The creation of a new transport system is essential.
establecimiento
es-tah-bleh-see-myehn-tohestaβlesiˈmjento
Examples
El establecimiento de la paz fue un proceso largo.
The establishment of peace was a long process.
Este establecimiento está abierto las veinticuatro horas.
This establishment is open twenty-four hours a day.
No se permite fumar dentro del establecimiento.
Smoking is not allowed inside the establishment.
Es un establecimiento familiar fundado en 1950.
It is a family business founded in 1950.
Always Masculine
Even though it refers to a shop (una tienda), the word itself is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un'.
A Formal Alternative
Use this word when you want to sound more professional than just saying 'tienda' (shop) or 'restaurante'.
Nouns from Verbs
This is the noun form of the verb 'establecer'. Many Spanish nouns ending in '-miento' come from verbs.
Confusing with 'The Establishment'
Mistake: “Using it to mean 'the people in power' like in English politics.”
Correction: In Spanish, use 'el sistema' or 'el poder establecido' for that political concept.
implantación
Examples
La implantación de la nueva tecnología fue un éxito.
The implementation of the new technology was a success.
sistema
sees-TEH-mahsisˈtema
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
Examples
La constitución de la empresa tomó tres meses.
The formation of the company took three months.
fundación
Examples
La fundación de Roma ocurrió hace más de dos mil años.
The founding of Rome occurred more than two thousand years ago.
Place vs. Act of Creating
Related Translations
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