Inklingo

How to Say "retired" in Spanish

English → Spanish

jubilado

hoo-bee-LAH-dohxuβiˈlaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'jubilado' when referring to someone who has officially stopped working, typically because they have reached retirement age and are receiving a pension.
An elderly person smiling and relaxing in a hammock between two palm trees.

Examples

Mi abuelo está jubilado desde el año pasado.

My grandfather has been retired since last year.

Muchos médicos jubilados regresaron a trabajar durante la emergencia.

Many retired doctors returned to work during the emergency.

Ella no se siente jubilada porque siempre está ocupada con sus nietos.

She doesn't feel retired because she is always busy with her grandchildren.

Estar vs. Ser with retirement

Use 'estar' (to be) to describe the state of being retired. Even though retirement seems permanent, Spanish views it as a change from a previous state (working).

Gender and Number

Remember to change the ending to match the person: 'jubilado' for a man, 'jubilada' for a woman, and 'jubilados' for a group.

Confusing 'retired' with 'shy'

Mistake: “Using 'retirado' to mean someone who is shy.”

Correction: Use 'tímido' for shy. 'Jubilado' specifically refers to ending your career.

retirado

reh-tee-RAH-dohretiˈraðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'retirado' to describe someone who has left their job or profession, which can include those who are pensioned but also those who have chosen to leave for other reasons.
An older woman sits relaxed in a comfortable armchair next to a window, smiling while reading a book, symbolizing the end of her working life.

Examples

Mi abuelo es un hombre felizmente retirado.

My grandfather is a happily retired man.

Ella está retirada desde hace cinco años.

She has been retired for five years.

Los profesores retirados organizaron un viaje.

The retired teachers organized a trip.

Agreement is Key

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'retirado' must match the person it describes in both gender (o/a) and number (s/es). If you describe a woman, use 'retirada'.

Jubilado vs. Retirado Nuance

Learners often confuse 'jubilado' and 'retirado'. While both mean retired, 'jubilado' is the standard term for someone receiving a pension after a career. 'Retirado' is broader and can sometimes imply a more personal decision to step away from work, not necessarily tied to age or pension.

Related Translations

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