Inklingo

How to Say "farming" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “farming” is “agricultura” — use 'agricultura' when referring to the general, broad activity of growing crops and raising animals as a business or way of life.

English → Spanish

agricultura

ah-gree-kool-TOO-rahaɣɾikulˈtuɾa

nounA2general
Use 'agricultura' when referring to the general, broad activity of growing crops and raising animals as a business or way of life.
A lush field of green crops growing in neat rows under a bright sun with a small red barn in the distance.

Examples

La agricultura es la base de la economía en este pueblo.

Farming is the base of the economy in this town.

Estamos estudiando nuevas técnicas de agricultura ecológica.

We are studying new organic farming techniques.

El cambio climático está afectando seriamente a la agricultura mundial.

Climate change is seriously affecting world agriculture.

Gender Identification

Since this word ends in '-a,' it is almost always feminine. You should use 'la' or 'una' with it.

The 'Science' vs. the 'Act'

This word describes both the formal study (Agriculture) and the actual physical work of farming on a daily basis.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El agricultura es importante.”

Correction: La agricultura es importante. (Because it is a feminine word).

Confusion with 'agrícola'

Mistake: “Un producto agricultura.”

Correction: Un producto agrícola. ('Agricultura' is the noun/thing, while 'agrícola' is the adjective/describing word).

cultivo

kool-TEE-bohkulˈti.βo

nounA2general
Use 'cultivo' to talk about the specific act or process of growing particular crops, emphasizing the cultivation itself.
A small green sprout growing out of a mound of dark brown soil.

Examples

El cultivo de hortalizas es muy común en esta zona.

The cultivation of vegetables is very common in this area.

La lluvia dañó los cultivos de trigo.

The rain damaged the wheat crops.

Necesitamos técnicas de cultivo más sostenibles.

We need more sustainable farming techniques.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', just remember it always takes 'el' or 'un'. It doesn't change to 'cultiva' for girls!

Naming the Plant

When talking about a specific plant, use 'de' followed by the plant name, like 'cultivo de café' (coffee cultivation).

Cultivo vs. Cultura

Mistake: “La cultura de tomates es difícil.”

Correction: El cultivo de tomates es difícil. Use 'cultivo' for plants and 'cultura' for social traditions/arts.

agrícola

adjectiveB1general
Use 'agrícola' to describe things, activities, or tools that are related to or used in farming.

Examples

Mi abuelo compró maquinaria agrícola nueva para su granja.

My grandfather bought new farming machinery for his farm.

explotación

nounB1general
Use 'explotación' when referring to the management and use of agricultural land for productive purposes, often with an economic focus.

Examples

La explotación de la tierra requiere una inversión considerable.

The farming of the land requires considerable investment.

cultura

kool-TOO-rahkulˈtuɾa

nounC1specialized
Use 'cultura' specifically for the practice or technique of cultivating a particular crop, like rice or grapes.
A simple storybook illustration showing a close-up view of fertile dark brown soil with three neat, parallel rows of tiny, vibrant green plant sprouts emerging, illustrating agricultural growth.

Examples

La cultura del arroz requiere mucha agua.

The cultivation of rice requires a lot of water.

Están haciendo una cultura de bacterias en el laboratorio.

They are growing a culture of bacteria in the lab.

Specialized Context

This meaning is usually followed by 'de' and the specific item being grown or developed (e.g., 'cultura de maíz' or 'cultura de hongos').

Agricultura vs. Cultivo

Learners often confuse 'agricultura' and 'cultivo'. Remember that 'agricultura' refers to the broad industry or practice of farming, while 'cultivo' focuses on the specific process of growing a particular crop.

Related Translations

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