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How to Say "occupation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “occupation” is “empleo” — use 'empleo' for a formal, paid position of employment, often with a contract..

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empleo

em-PLEH-oh/emˈpleo/

nounA1formal
Use 'empleo' for a formal, paid position of employment, often with a contract.
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.

ocupación

nounA1formal
Use 'ocupación' when asking someone about their job title in a formal context, or when referring to the rate at which a space (like a hotel) is filled.

Examples

Por favor, escriba su ocupación en esta línea.

Please write your occupation on this line.

profesión

nounA1general
Use 'profesión' to refer to a type of work that requires special training or education, like a career path.

Examples

Mi hermana eligió la abogacía como profesión.

My sister chose law as a profession.

oficio

oh-FEE-syoh/oˈfiθjo/

nounB1general
Use 'oficio' for a skilled trade or craft, or a general term for one's job, often implying practical skills.
A smiling chef in a white hat and uniform is stirring a large pot on a stove in a bright kitchen.

Examples

El oficio de médico requiere muchos años de estudio.

The profession of doctor requires many years of study.

Su oficio es servir a la comunidad.

His duty (or calling) is to serve the community.

Formal Use

This meaning is often used in official forms or formal settings where you might be asked to state your 'occupation'.

invasión

nounB1formal
Use 'invasión' specifically for the military act of entering and taking control of a territory by force.

Examples

El presidente condenó la invasión del territorio vecino.

The president condemned the invasion of the neighboring territory.

ocupación

nounB2formal
Use this sense of 'ocupación' when referring to the state of being occupied, especially by military forces or the percentage of rooms filled in a hotel.

Examples

El hotel tiene una ocupación del 90%.

The hotel has a 90% occupancy rate.

Job vs. Military Takeover

The most common mistake is using 'ocupación' for a regular job. While it can mean 'job' formally, 'empleo', 'profesión', and 'oficio' are more common and specific for discussing one's work. Reserve 'ocupación' for its meanings of 'occupancy' or 'military takeover' to avoid confusion.

Related Translations

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