Inklingo

How to Say "military service" in Spanish

English → Spanish

servicios

ser-BEE-see-osseɾˈβisjos

nounB2general
Use 'servicios' when referring to the specific duration or period of time a person spent fulfilling their duty in the armed forces.
A person wearing a simple uniform and apron is diligently carrying a tray, illustrating service or duty of employment.

Examples

Mi hermano completó sus servicios militares el año pasado.

My brother completed his military service last year.

Completó sus servicios en el ejército el año pasado.

He completed his service in the army last year.

La reina agradeció a los soldados por sus servicios a la nación.

The queen thanked the soldiers for their services to the nation.

Formal Context

When used in this sense, 'servicios' often implies a formal commitment or duty to a government, institution, or cause.

milicia

mee-LEE-syahmiˈli.θja

nounC1general
Use 'milicia' to talk about the profession, the way of life, or the institution of being a soldier or belonging to the armed forces in a more abstract or vocational sense.
A soldier in a clean uniform standing at attention in front of a simple tent camp.

Examples

Desde joven, sintió una gran vocación por la milicia.

From a young age, he felt a great calling for military life.

Se retiró tras treinta años de servicio en la milicia.

He retired after thirty years of service in the military.

Abstract Usage

In this sense, 'la milicia' refers to the concept of being a soldier rather than a specific group of people.

Confusing 'servicios' and 'milicia'

Learners often confuse 'servicios' and 'milicia' by using 'milicia' when they mean the specific time served. Remember that 'servicios' refers to the completed duty or time spent, while 'milicia' is broader, encompassing the profession or life of a soldier.

Related Translations

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