Inklingo

How to Say "experience" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “experience” is “experiencia” — use 'experiencia' to refer to general knowledge or skills acquired over time, or for a particular event or occurrence that happened to you..

English → Spanish

experiencia

/ex-peh-RYEN-sya//ekspeˈɾjensja/

nounA2general
Use 'experiencia' to refer to general knowledge or skills acquired over time, or for a particular event or occurrence that happened to you.
A wise, smiling gardener carefully tending a massive, healthy, fruit-bearing tree, symbolizing accumulated skill and knowledge over time.

Examples

Para este trabajo, se necesita mucha experiencia.

For this job, you need a lot of experience.

Mi abuela tiene más experiencia de vida que nadie que conozco.

My grandmother has more life experience than anyone I know.

Con la práctica, ganarás la experiencia necesaria.

With practice, you will gain the necessary experience.

El viaje a Perú fue una experiencia inolvidable.

The trip to Peru was an unforgettable experience.

A 'Feminine' Word

Even though 'experience' doesn't have a gender in English, 'experiencia' is a feminine word in Spanish. This means any words describing it must also be feminine, like 'una buena experiencia' (a good experience).

Using 'en' vs. 'de'

Mistake: “Tengo experiencia de marketing.”

Correction: Tengo experiencia en marketing. When you're talking about having experience *in* a field, always use the word 'en'.

experiencia

/ex-peh-RYEN-sya//ekspeˈɾjensja/

nounB1general
Use 'experiencia' to refer to a specific, notable event or occurrence.
A wise, smiling gardener carefully tending a massive, healthy, fruit-bearing tree, symbolizing accumulated skill and knowledge over time.

Examples

El viaje a Perú fue una experiencia inolvidable.

The trip to Peru was an unforgettable experience.

Para este trabajo, se necesita mucha experiencia.

For this job, you need a lot of experience.

Mi abuela tiene más experiencia de vida que nadie que conozco.

My grandmother has more life experience than anyone I know.

Con la práctica, ganarás la experiencia necesaria.

With practice, you will gain the necessary experience.

A 'Feminine' Word

Even though 'experience' doesn't have a gender in English, 'experiencia' is a feminine word in Spanish. This means any words describing it must also be feminine, like 'una buena experiencia' (a good experience).

Using 'en' vs. 'de'

Mistake: “Tengo experiencia de marketing.”

Correction: Tengo experiencia en marketing. When you're talking about having experience *in* a field, always use the word 'en'.

cancha

/KAHN-chah//ˈkant͡ʃa/

nounB2informal
Use 'cancha' informally when referring to practical skill, 'know-how', or street smarts in a particular area.
An old carpenter with grey hair skillfully carving a piece of wood with a chisel.

Examples

No te preocupes por el examen, ya tengo mucha cancha con esto.

Don't worry about the exam, I already have a lot of experience with this.

Ella tiene mucha cancha para hablar en público.

She has a real knack for public speaking.

Abstract Noun

In this context, 'cancha' is an abstract quality you possess, similar to 'wisdom' or 'luck.'

conozcan

/ko-NOS-kan//koˈnoθkan/

verbB1general
Use 'conozcan' (from 'conocer') when 'experience' means to get to know or become familiar with a person, place, or situation.
Two people shaking hands warmly in a sunny park, representing the act of getting to know one another.

Examples

Quiero que ustedes conozcan a mi mejor amigo.

I want you all to meet my best friend.

Es importante que ellos conozcan las reglas del juego.

It is important that they know the rules of the game.

¡Conozcan la ciudad con nuestro tour gratuito!

Get to know the city with our free tour!

Why the 'Z'?

In Spanish, when verbs like 'conocer' end in -cer, we add a 'z' before the 'a' to keep the soft 's' or 'th' sound. Without it, the word would sound like 'conoc-an' with a hard 'k' sound.

Two Main Uses

Use 'conozcan' when expressing a wish about someone knowing/meeting someone, or when telling a group of people to 'get to know' something.

Conozcan vs. Conocen

Mistake: “Saying 'Quiero que ellos conocen' instead of 'conozcan'.”

Correction: Use 'conozcan' after words like 'quiero que' or 'espero que' because you are talking about a wish, not a guaranteed fact.

rodaje

/rro-DA-khe//roˈðaxe/

nounB2general
Use 'rodaje' specifically for the 'running-in' period of a new vehicle or the initial phase of getting accustomed to a new routine or process.
A shiny new car engine sitting on a workbench with a soft glow indicating it is running smoothly.

Examples

Es importante hacerle un buen rodaje al coche nuevo.

It's important to run in the new car properly.

Llevo poco tiempo en el trabajo, aún me falta rodaje.

I haven't been at the job long; I still need more experience/practice.

Using it Figuratively

You can use this to describe yourself! If you say you 'need rodaje', it means you need to get used to a new situation.

Experiencia vs. Cancha

The most common confusion is between 'experiencia' and 'cancha'. Use 'experiencia' for general knowledge or specific events. Reserve the informal 'cancha' for practical skill or 'know-how' in a specific field, often implying street smarts.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.