Inklingo

How to Say "hired" in Spanish

English → Spanish
VerbA2General
Use 'contrató' when you want to express the action of a person or entity employing someone else, usually for a specific job or period.

Examples

Mi jefe contrató a tres personas nuevas el mes pasado.

My boss hired three new people last month.

contratado

/kohn-trah-TAH-doh//kontɾaˈtaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'contratado' to describe the status of someone who has been employed or is under contract, focusing on their condition rather than the act of hiring.
A colorful illustration of two people shaking hands over a desk, symbolizing a job offer being accepted.

Examples

El jardinero fue contratado para trabajar tres días a la semana.

The gardener was hired to work three days a week.

La consultoría contratada presentó su informe final hoy.

The contracted consultancy presented its final report today.

Asegúrate de que los servicios contratados cumplan con la normativa.

Make sure that the contracted services comply with the regulations.

Gender and Number Agreement

Since 'contratado' is an adjective here, it must always match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'la persona contratada', 'los equipos contratados'.

Verb vs. Adjective Confusion

The most common mistake is using the adjective 'contratado' when you mean the action of hiring. Remember, 'contrató' (verb) is for the act of employing, while 'contratado' (adjective) describes the state of being employed.

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