Inklingo

How to Say "firing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “firing” is “despido” — use 'despido' when referring to the act of terminating someone's employment, meaning they are being let go from their job.

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despido

des-PEE-dohdesˈpiðo

nounB1general
Use 'despido' when referring to the act of terminating someone's employment, meaning they are being let go from their job.
A person walking away from a building holding a cardboard box filled with office supplies.

Examples

El despido fue totalmente inesperado para todos los empleados.

The dismissal was totally unexpected for all the employees.

Recibió una indemnización tras su despido.

He received a compensation payment after his firing.

Masculine naming word

This word is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it (el despido).

Confusing the noun and verb

Mistake: “Using 'el despido' to say 'I say goodbye'.”

Correction: Use 'el despido' for the event (the firing) and just 'despido' without 'el' when you are performing the action (I fire/say goodbye).

echando

eh-CHAHN-doheˈtʃan.do

verbB1general
Use 'echando' as a gerund when describing the ongoing action of dismissing employees, especially in a corporate or economic context.
A storybook illustration showing one person pointing another person, who is carrying a box of personal items, away from an office entrance.

Examples

La empresa está echando a mucha gente por la crisis.

The company is firing a lot of people due to the crisis.

El guardia de seguridad lo está echando del local.

The security guard is kicking him out of the premises.

Meaning Shift

Here, 'echar' retains its core meaning of 'sending,' but it implies sending someone away permanently or forcefully.

disparando

dis-pah-RAHN-dohdis.paˈɾan.do

verbA2general
Use 'disparando' when the action refers to the continuous act of shooting a gun, rifle, or cannon.
A cartoon hand holding a simple, stylized rifle, with a small cloud of white smoke visible exiting the barrel, indicating the action of shooting.

Examples

El tirador profesional estaba disparando con gran precisión.

The professional shooter was firing with great accuracy.

Vimos fuegos artificiales disparando hacia el cielo.

We saw fireworks launching toward the sky.

Continuous Action

The '-ando' ending means the action is happening right now or is ongoing. It is often used with 'estar' (to be) to form the present continuous tense: 'estoy disparando' (I am shooting).

Using the Infinitive

Mistake: “Using 'está disparar' to mean 'is shooting'.”

Correction: Always use the gerund after 'estar': 'está disparando'.

disparo

dees-PAH-rohdisˈpaɾo

nounB1general
Use 'disparo' to refer to a single instance or the sound of a gun being fired.
A sudden, bright orange flash of light accompanied by a puff of white smoke, symbolizing the immediate action of a fired weapon.

Examples

Se oyó un disparo en la distancia y todos se asustaron.

A shot was heard in the distance and everyone got scared.

El disparo de los precios del petróleo afectó la economía.

The spike in oil prices affected the economy.

Necesitamos practicar el tiro al blanco, ¿cuántos disparos quedan?

We need to practice target shooting, how many shots are left?

Gender Check

Since 'disparo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun and always uses 'el' (el disparo) or 'un' (un disparo).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'disparo' (the noun) when you mean the action of shooting (the infinitive verb 'disparar').”

Correction: Remember 'disparo' is the *result* or *act* (the shot), while 'disparar' is the *action* (to shoot).

tiros

TEE-rohsˈti.ɾos

nounA2general
Use 'tiros' to refer to multiple shots or the general sound of gunfire.
A cartoon illustration of an old black cannon firing a projectile. A large puff of gray smoke and a bright orange muzzle flash erupt from the barrel.

Examples

Se escucharon varios tiros cerca del parque.

Several shots were heard near the park.

La policía respondió al intercambio de tiros.

The police responded to the exchange of fire.

Plural Form

Remember that 'tiros' is the plural form of the masculine noun 'tiro'. It means multiple gunshots.

cocción

nounC1technical
Use 'cocción' exclusively for the process of heating clay or ceramics at high temperatures in a kiln.

Examples

La cocción de la cerámica requiere temperaturas muy altas.

The firing of ceramics requires very high temperatures.

Job Dismissal vs. Shooting

Learners often confuse 'despido' (job dismissal) with 'disparo' or 'tiros' (shooting a weapon). Remember that job termination is about employment, while 'disparo'/'tiros' specifically relate to firearms. 'Echando' is also used for job dismissal but describes the ongoing action.

Related Translations

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