Inklingo

How to Say "job" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “job” is “trabajo” — use 'trabajo' for a general paid position of employment or the concept of work itself, especially when you have a lot to do..

trabajo🔊A1

Use 'trabajo' for a general paid position of employment or the concept of work itself, especially when you have a lot to do.

{ui.learnMore}
empleo🔊A1

Use 'empleo' to refer to a formal position of work or employment, often in a more professional or official context.

{ui.learnMore}
puesto🔊B1

Use 'puesto' to refer to a specific job or position within a company or organization, emphasizing the role you hold.

{ui.learnMore}
ocupaciónA1

Use 'ocupación' to describe your profession or line of work, often when asked for formal details like on a form.

{ui.learnMore}
cargo🔊B1

Use 'cargo' to refer to a specific position or role of responsibility within an organization, often implying a level of authority.

{ui.learnMore}
tarea🔊A2

Use 'tarea' for a specific, often smaller, piece of work or a task that needs to be completed, rather than a formal job.

{ui.learnMore}
camello🔊C1

Use 'camello' informally to refer to a place of employment or a job, particularly for temporary or less formal work.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

trabajo

/tra-BA-ho//tɾaˈβaxo/

nounA1general
Use 'trabajo' for a general paid position of employment or the concept of work itself, especially when you have a lot to do.
A person sitting at a desk in a bright office, focused on their work on a laptop, representing the concept of a job or work.

Examples

Tengo mucho trabajo esta semana.

I have a lot of work this week.

Mi hermano encontró un nuevo trabajo.

My brother found a new job.

El trabajo de historia es para el viernes.

The history paper is due on Friday.

It's a Masculine Noun

'Trabajo' is a 'masculine' word, which just means you'll always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) with it. For example, 'el trabajo' or 'un trabajo difícil'.

Confusing 'trabajo' and 'viaje'

Mistake: “Sometimes learners mix up 'trabajo' (work) and 'viaje' (travel) because they sound a little similar.”

Correction: Remember: 'trabajo' has a 'b' like 'business', and 'viaje' has a 'v' like 'voyage'.

empleo

em-PLEH-oh/emˈpleo/

nounA1general
Use 'empleo' to refer to a formal position of work or employment, often in a more professional or official context.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a cheerful person wearing professional attire sitting at a clean desk with a laptop and a potted plant, representing a job or position of work.

Examples

Busco un empleo a tiempo parcial para pagar mis estudios.

I am looking for a part-time job to pay for my studies.

Mi hermano consiguió un nuevo empleo en una empresa de tecnología.

My brother got a new job at a technology company.

El nivel de empleo en la región ha mejorado significativamente este año.

The employment level in the region has improved significantly this year.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', it is always a masculine noun, so use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'un buen empleo'.

Confusing Empleo and Trabajo

Mistake: “Using 'trabajo' when referring to the state of being employed (e.g., 'el nivel de trabajo').”

Correction: Use 'empleo' for the general state or availability of jobs: 'el nivel de empleo' (employment level). Use 'trabajo' for the effort or the place where you work.

puesto

/PWES-toh//ˈpwesto/

nounB1general
Use 'puesto' to refer to a specific job or position within a company or organization, emphasizing the role you hold.
A colorful market stall overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables under a striped awning.

Examples

Tengo un nuevo puesto en la oficina.

I have a new job/position at the office.

Compramos frutas frescas en un puesto del mercado.

We bought fresh fruit at a stall in the market.

El soldado no puede abandonar su puesto.

The soldier cannot leave his post.

ocupación

nounA1formal
Use 'ocupación' to describe your profession or line of work, often when asked for formal details like on a form.

Examples

Por favor, escriba su ocupación en esta línea.

Please write your occupation on this line.

cargo

/KAR-go//ˈkaɾɣo/

nounB1formal
Use 'cargo' to refer to a specific position or role of responsibility within an organization, often implying a level of authority.
A professional woman sitting confidently behind a large, clean wooden desk in a bright office, symbolizing a leadership position.

Examples

Ella aceptó el cargo de directora general.

She accepted the position of general director.

Es un cargo con mucha responsabilidad.

It's a position with a lot of responsibility.

Dimitió de su cargo político el mes pasado.

He resigned from his political office last month.

tarea

/tah-REH-ah//taˈɾea/

nounA2general
Use 'tarea' for a specific, often smaller, piece of work or a task that needs to be completed, rather than a formal job.
A cheerful person using a broom and dustpan to sweep dust off a floor, clearly completing a domestic chore.

Examples

Mi tarea de hoy es llamar al banco y pagar las cuentas.

My task today is to call the bank and pay the bills.

Las tareas domésticas son responsabilidad de todos en la casa.

Household chores are everyone's responsibility in the house.

camello

/kah-MEH-yoh//kaˈmeʝo/

nounC1informal
Use 'camello' informally to refer to a place of employment or a job, particularly for temporary or less formal work.
A person wearing an apron and holding a toolbox standing in front of a colorful storefront.

Examples

Estoy buscando un camello para las vacaciones.

I'm looking for a job for the holidays.

¡Qué camello fue subir todas esas cajas!

What hard work it was moving all those boxes!

General Job vs. Specific Position

Learners often confuse 'trabajo' and 'empleo' with 'puesto' or 'cargo'. Remember that 'trabajo' and 'empleo' are more general terms for employment, while 'puesto' and 'cargo' refer to a specific role or position you hold.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.