Inklingo

How to Say "expertise" in Spanish

English → Spanish

experiencia

/ex-peh-RYEN-sya//ekspeˈɾjensja/

NounA2General
Use 'experiencia' when referring to practical, hands-on skill and accumulated knowledge gained over time in a specific field, often implying a certain level of seniority or mastery.
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, a lot of experience is needed.

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'.

conocimiento

ko-no-see-MYEN-toh/konoθiˈmjento/

NounC1General
Use 'conocimiento' (often plural 'conocimientos') to refer to specialized, theoretical, or technical knowledge and skills acquired through study or training, particularly in academic or technical contexts.
A skilled carpenter wearing a simple apron carefully measuring a perfectly crafted wooden object with a specialized caliper tool, demonstrating precision.

Examples

Necesitamos un ingeniero con conocimientos de robótica.

We need an engineer with expertise in robotics.

Puso el plan en marcha sin el conocimiento de su jefe.

He launched the plan without the awareness/knowledge of his boss.

Hicimos un primer conocimiento mutuo en la conferencia.

We made our initial acquaintance at the conference. (Formal use)

Plural for Skills

When talking about professional or technical skills (like programming or finance), Spanish almost always uses the plural: conocimientos.

Experiencia vs. Conocimiento

Learners often confuse 'experiencia' and 'conocimiento' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'experiencia' refers to skill gained through practice and time, while 'conocimiento' points to specific, often technical or academic, information and skills.

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