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How to Say "sector" in Spanish

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sector

sek-TORsekˈtoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'sector' when referring to a division within an economy, industry, or business, or for a geometric shape.
A storybook illustration showing three distinct areas of economic activity: a farm field with a red barn, a small factory with smoke stacks, and a modern blue office tower, separated by clear paths.

Examples

El sector tecnológico está en constante innovación.

The technology sector is constantly innovating.

El sector turístico se recuperó rápidamente después de la pandemia.

The tourism sector recovered quickly after the pandemic.

Necesitamos más inversión en el sector de energías renovables.

We need more investment in the renewable energy sector.

Ella trabaja en el sector público, para el gobierno.

She works in the public sector, for the government.

Gender Check

Remember that 'sector' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el sector,' 'un sector importante.'

Confusing 'Sector' and 'Sección'

Mistake: “Usar 'sección' cuando se refiere a la economía (e.g., 'la sección industrial').”

Correction: 'Sector' is used for large divisions of the economy or society (e.g., 'el sector industrial'). 'Sección' means a small part or chapter (e.g., 'la sección de noticias').

cuadrante

kwah-DRAHN-tehkwaˈðɾante

nounB2general
Use 'cuadrante' when referring to a specific area on a map, chart, or grid, often used in navigation or spatial descriptions.
A simple circle divided into four equal parts by two intersecting lines, with one section highlighted in a bright color.

Examples

Localizamos el objetivo en el cuadrante sur.

We located the target in the southern quadrant.

El barco se encuentra en el cuadrante noroeste.

The ship is located in the northwest quadrant.

Dibuja un punto en el primer cuadrante del gráfico.

Draw a point in the first quadrant of the graph.

La manecilla del reloj recorre todo el cuadrante.

The clock hand travels across the entire dial face.

Describing Location

When saying something is 'in' a quadrant, use the word 'en': 'en el cuadrante'.

sector

sek-TORsekˈtoɾ

nounC1academic
Use 'sector' when referring to a geometric figure, specifically a portion of a circle bounded by two radii and an arc.
A storybook illustration showing three distinct areas of economic activity: a farm field with a red barn, a small factory with smoke stacks, and a modern blue office tower, separated by clear paths.

Examples

Calcula el área del sector formado por un ángulo de 90 grados.

Calculate the area of the sector formed by a 90-degree angle.

El sector turístico se recuperó rápidamente después de la pandemia.

The tourism sector recovered quickly after the pandemic.

Necesitamos más inversión en el sector de energías renovables.

We need more investment in the renewable energy sector.

Ella trabaja en el sector público, para el gobierno.

She works in the public sector, for the government.

Gender Check

Remember that 'sector' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el sector,' 'un sector importante.'

Confusing 'Sector' and 'Sección'

Mistake: “Usar 'sección' cuando se refiere a la economía (e.g., 'la sección industrial').”

Correction: 'Sector' is used for large divisions of the economy or society (e.g., 'el sector industrial'). 'Sección' means a small part or chapter (e.g., 'la sección de noticias').

Sector vs. Cuadrante

The most common mistake is using 'sector' when you mean a specific map area. Remember that 'cuadrante' is the precise term for a map section or grid division, while 'sector' is more general or refers to economic/geometric contexts.

Related Translations

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