Inklingo

How to Say "recruit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recluta

/reh-KLOO-tah//reˈkluta/

nounA2general
Use 'recluta' for a new member joining any organization, especially the military or a company.
A young person in a new military uniform standing tall and proud.

Examples

El nuevo recluta llegó ayer al cuartel.

The new recruit arrived at the barracks yesterday.

Ella es la recluta más joven del equipo de ventas.

She is the youngest recruit on the sales team.

Los reclutas deben pasar por un entrenamiento intensivo.

The recruits must go through intensive training.

One Word for Both Genders

The word 'recluta' stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the 'el' or 'la' in front of it.

Ending with 'o' for men

Mistake: “El recluto”

Correction: El recluta (The word always ends in 'a' regardless of the person's gender).

quinto

KEEN-toh/ˈkinto/

nounB2historical, regional (Spain)
Use 'quinto' exclusively for a young man who was drafted into military service in Spain, particularly in historical contexts.
A young man stands awkwardly in a stiff, slightly oversized military uniform, representing a new recruit.

Examples

En España, le llamaban 'quinto' a los jóvenes que iban al servicio militar.

In Spain, they called 'quinto' the young men who went to military service.

Hace mucho calor. ¿Nos traes un par de quintos, por favor?

It's very hot. Could you bring us a couple of small beers, please?

Regional Beer Size

In Spain, a 'quinto' is a standard term for a 200 ml beer bottle, named because it is one-fifth of a liter. This term is essential for ordering drinks socially.

General vs. Historical Usage

The most common mistake is using 'quinto' outside of its specific historical and regional context in Spain. Remember that 'recluta' is the standard, everyday term for any new recruit in most Spanish-speaking countries and situations.

Related Translations

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