Inklingo

How to Say "hard-working" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hard-working” is “trabajador” — use this general term for someone who works diligently and puts in a lot of effort, often in a professional or task-oriented context.

English → Spanish

trabajador

trah-bah-hah-DORtɾaβaxaˈðoɾ

adjectiveA2general
Use this general term for someone who works diligently and puts in a lot of effort, often in a professional or task-oriented context.
A diligent farmer wearing a straw hat is kneeling and planting seeds in long, neat rows of soil under a bright sun.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy trabajador y siempre termina sus tareas a tiempo.

My brother is very hard-working and always finishes his tasks on time.

Los estudiantes más trabajadores obtuvieron las mejores notas.

The most diligent students got the best grades.

Adjective Agreement

Like most Spanish describing words, 'trabajador' must match the person or thing it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). For example: 'una mujer trabajadora' (a hard-working woman).

Incorrect Plural Form

Mistake: “Saying 'trabajadores' for a singular noun, like 'el coche trabajadores'.”

Correction: Only add '-es' for plural: 'los coches son trabajadores' (if the cars were somehow diligent), but 'el coche es trabajador' (singular car).

trabajadora

tra-ba-ha-DOR-ahtɾaβaxaˈðoɾa

adjectiveA1general
This is the feminine form of 'trabajador,' used specifically to describe a woman or girl who is diligent and puts in a lot of effort.
A woman diligently tending to a lush vegetable garden, pulling weeds and caring for plants.

Examples

Mi madre es la persona más trabajadora que conozco.

My mother is the most hard-working person I know.

Necesitamos contratar a una secretaria que sea muy trabajadora.

We need to hire a secretary who is very hard-working.

Matching Gender

Because this word ends in 'a', it specifically describes a woman, a girl, or any feminine object. If you were talking about a man, you would use 'trabajador'.

Using it for groups

Mistake: “Ellas son trabajadora.”

Correction: Ellas son trabajadoras. Remember to add an 's' if you are talking about more than one person.

aplicado

ah-plee-KAH-doha.pli.ˈka.ðo

adjectiveA2general
Use this when referring to a person's character, especially a student, who is diligent, attentive, and puts in consistent effort.
A young student sitting at a desk with a stack of books, focused on writing in a notebook.

Examples

Juan es el estudiante más aplicado de la clase.

Juan is the most hard-working student in the class.

Si eres aplicada con tus estudios, sacarás buenas notas.

If you are studious with your studies, you will get good grades.

Buscamos a alguien aplicado y responsable para este puesto.

We are looking for someone diligent and responsible for this position.

Matching the Person

Like most words describing people, this word changes its ending. Use 'aplicado' for a boy, 'aplicada' for a girl, and add an 's' for groups.

Describing Character

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) with this word because it describes a person's lasting personality or habit, not just a temporary mood.

Job Applications

Mistake: “He aplicado para el trabajo.”

Correction: He solicitado el trabajo.

luchador

loo-chah-DORlutʃaˈðoɾ

adjectiveB1general
This term describes someone who strives and perseveres, facing challenges and working hard to overcome them, often implying a struggle.
A person determinedly climbing a steep hill while carrying a heavy basket of harvest.

Examples

Juan es un hombre muy luchador; tiene tres trabajos.

Juan is a very hard-working man; he has three jobs.

Es un pueblo luchador que siempre sale adelante.

It is a determined community that always moves forward.

Para tener éxito en los negocios, hay que ser luchador.

To be successful in business, you have to be persistent.

Describing people

When using 'luchador' as an adjective, it always follows the person you are describing. For example: 'un hombre luchador'.

Don't confuse with 'fighting'

Mistake: “Saying 'él es luchador' to mean he is currently fighting someone.”

Correction: Use 'luchador' to describe a personality trait. If he is physically fighting right now, use the verb 'luchando'.

estudioso

es-too-dee-OH-soestuˈðjoso

adjectiveA1academic
This word specifically relates to academic effort and describes someone who studies a lot and is dedicated to their studies.
A young student sitting at a wooden desk, focused on reading a large open book under a warm lamp.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy estudioso y siempre saca buenas notas.

My brother is very studious and always gets good grades.

Si quieres ser médico, tendrás que ser un joven estudioso.

If you want to be a doctor, you will have to be a studious young man.

A pesar de ser muy inteligente, no es nada estudioso.

Despite being very intelligent, he isn't studious at all.

Gender Changes

Even though this entry is for the masculine 'estudioso,' remember to change the ending to 'estudiosa' when talking about a girl or woman.

Placement with 'Ser'

Since being studious is usually seen as a personality trait, you should use the verb 'ser' (to be) rather than 'estar'.

Don't confuse with 'Estudiante'

Mistake: “Soy muy estudiante.”

Correction: Soy muy estudioso.

General Diligence vs. Academic Effort

The most common mistake is confusing general hard work ('trabajador/a') with academic focus ('estudioso'). While an 'estudioso' person is likely 'trabajador' in their studies, 'trabajador' can describe anyone putting in effort, not just students.

Related Translations

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