Inklingo

How to Say "shifts" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cambios

/KAHM-byos//ˈkambjos/

nounA1general
Use 'cambios' when referring to general alterations, modifications, or changes in situations, moods, or policies.
A single tree visually split down the middle. One half has vibrant green leaves, and the other half has bright red and orange autumn leaves, illustrating a transformation.

Examples

Hemos notado muchos cambios en la ciudad este año.

We have noticed many changes in the city this year.

Necesito hacer algunos cambios a mi reservación antes de viajar.

I need to make some changes to my reservation before traveling.

Plural Noun Rule

Since the singular form is 'cambio' (ending in a vowel), the plural is formed simply by adding '-s'.

turnos

/TOOR-nohs//ˈtuɾnos/

nounB1work/scheduling
Use 'turnos' specifically for scheduled work periods or rotations, like when talking about job schedules.
A doctor in a white coat leaving a hospital building while a nurse in blue scrubs enters, representing a change in work periods.

Examples

Él trabaja en turnos de ocho horas.

He works in eight-hour shifts.

Tenemos turnos rotativos en la fábrica.

We have rotating shifts at the factory.

Work Vocabulary

When 'turnos' refers to work, it describes the block of time you are at your job.

guardias

/gwar-dyahs//ˈɡwaɾðjas/

nounB2professional/duty
Use 'guardias' for specific periods of duty, often long or overnight, especially in professions like medicine or security.
A figure sitting at a post, with the background visually split between bright daylight and dark night, representing a long work shift.

Examples

Los médicos tienen que hacer muchas guardias durante la residencia.

The doctors have to do many on-call shifts during their residency.

Las guardias nocturnas son las más pesadas.

The night shifts are the hardest.

Gender Note: Time

When referring to the shift or period of duty, the singular form is 'la guardia' (feminine), making the plural 'las guardias'.

Using 'Turnos' Instead

Mistake: “Sometimes learners use 'turnos' for long medical duties.”

Correction: While 'turnos' is correct for regular shifts, 'guardias' specifically implies a demanding, often overnight or continuous, duty period.

Work Shifts vs. General Changes

The most common mistake is using 'cambios' when you mean scheduled work periods. Remember that 'turnos' is the specific word for work shifts, while 'cambios' refers to general alterations or changes.

Related Translations

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