Inklingo

How to Say "position" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “position” is “puesto” — use 'puesto' to refer to your specific job role or title within a company or organization..

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puesto

/PWES-toh//ˈpwesto/

NounB1General
Use 'puesto' to refer to your specific job role or title within a company or organization.
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 position/job 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.

cargo

/KAR-go//ˈkaɾɣo/

NounB1Formal
Use 'cargo' for a more formal or official job title, often implying a position of responsibility or 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.

plaza

/plá-sa/ (or /plá-tha/ in Spain)/ˈplaθa/

nounB1General
Use 'plaza' specifically when talking about an available job opening or vacancy.
An illustration of an empty, well-appointed office chair waiting behind a large wooden desk, symbolizing an open job position or vacancy.

Examples

Hay una plaza disponible en el departamento de ventas.

There is a position/vacancy available in the sales department.

¿Cuántas plazas hay para el curso de verano?

How many spots are there for the summer course?

Formal Context

This meaning is often used in formal job listings or university applications, making it sound more serious or official than using 'trabajo' or 'puesto'.

lugar

/loo-GAR//luˈɡaɾ/

NounB1General
Use 'lugar' when referring to a position in a sequence, ranking, or competition.
A winner's podium with medals for first, second, and third place, symbolizing position or rank.

Examples

Ella obtuvo el primer lugar en la competencia.

She got first place in the competition.

En la lista de espera, ocupo el décimo lugar.

On the waiting list, I hold the tenth position.

El equipo descendió al último lugar de la tabla.

The team dropped to the last place in the standings.

situación

NounB1General
Use 'situación' to describe the physical placement or location of a person, object, or place.

Examples

La situación del hotel es perfecta, justo en el centro.

The location of the hotel is perfect, right in the center.

rango

RRAHN-goh/ˈraŋ.ɡo/

nounB1Formal
Use 'rango' to refer to a rank or level within a hierarchical structure, such as in the military or a company's hierarchy.
Three simple, stylized figures standing on a three-tiered pedestal, clearly illustrating a hierarchy or ranking system.

Examples

Ascendió rápidamente de rango dentro de la empresa.

He quickly rose in rank within the company.

El rango de coronel exige mucha responsabilidad.

The rank of colonel demands a lot of responsibility.

No importa tu rango social, todos son bienvenidos aquí.

Your social status doesn't matter; everyone is welcome here.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'rango' ends in -o, it is almost always a masculine word. Remember to use masculine articles like 'el' or 'un' before it.

Job Roles vs. Vacancies

The most common mistake is confusing 'puesto' (your specific job role) with 'plaza' (a job opening). Remember, you 'have a puesto' (you have a job), but a company 'offers a plaza' (offers a vacancy).

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