Inklingo

How to Say "task" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “task” is “tarea” — use 'tarea' for a specific job, chore, or piece of homework that needs to be completed, often with a sense of obligation..

English → Spanish

tarea

/tah-REH-ah//taˈɾea/

nounA2general
Use 'tarea' for a specific job, chore, or piece of homework that needs to be completed, often with a sense of obligation.
A cheerful person using a broom and dustpan to sweep dust off a floor, clearly completing a domestic chore.

Examples

Mi tarea de hoy es limpiar mi habitación.

My task today is to clean my room.

Mi tarea de hoy es llamar al banco y pagar las cuentas.

My task today is to call the bank and pay the bills.

Las tareas domésticas son responsabilidad de todos en la casa.

Household chores are everyone's responsibility in the house.

comisión

nounA2general
Use 'comisión' when 'task' refers to an errand or a specific request someone has asked you to do, often involving going somewhere.

Examples

Voy a hacer una comisión al supermercado.

I'm going to run an errand to the supermarket.

encargo

en-CAR-go/enˈkaɾ.ɣo/

nounB1general
Use 'encargo' for a specific job or assignment that has been entrusted to you by someone else, like a boss or client.
A cheerful rabbit hands a rolled-up blueprint tied with a red ribbon to a smiling fox, symbolizing the transfer of an assignment or duty.

Examples

El jefe me dio el encargo de preparar el informe.

The boss gave me the assignment of preparing the report.

Mi jefe me dio el encargo de organizar la reunión.

My boss gave me the assignment of organizing the meeting.

¿Puedes hacer un encargo por mí? Necesito ir al banco.

Can you run an errand for me? I need to go to the bank.

El pintor terminó el encargo de la familia real.

The painter finished the commission for the royal family.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'encargo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' with it.

Confusing 'encargo' and 'cargo'

Mistake: “Using 'cargo' (position/job title) when you mean 'encargo' (specific task).”

Correction: If you are talking about a specific duty or task, use 'encargo'. If you are talking about a permanent job title (like 'manager'), use 'cargo'.

ocupación

nounB1general
Use 'ocupación' to refer to a specific piece of work or a set of duties that occupy your time, often implying a busy schedule.

Examples

Tengo muchas ocupaciones esta semana, no podré ir al cine.

I have many tasks/things to do this week, I won't be able to go to the movies.

cometido

/ko-me-TEE-do//ko.meˈti.ðo/

nounB1formal
Use 'cometido' for a more formal 'task' that refers to a duty, responsibility, or mission, often a significant one.
A determined small explorer holding a map and pointing towards a high, distant mountain peak, symbolizing a mission or objective.

Examples

El principal cometido del gobierno es asegurar el bienestar de los ciudadanos.

The government's main task/mission is to ensure the citizens' well-being.

El principal cometido de la empresa es innovar.

The company's main mission is to innovate.

Nuestro cometido en esta reunión es tomar una decisión final.

Our task in this meeting is to make a final decision.

Fallaron en su cometido y perdieron el partido.

They failed in their objective and lost the game.

Gender Check

Remember this noun is masculine: el cometido. It never changes form.

Tarea vs. Comisión vs. Encargo

Learners often confuse 'tarea', 'comisión', and 'encargo'. Remember that 'tarea' is a general chore or homework, 'comisión' is an errand you run, and 'encargo' is a specific job assigned to you by someone else.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.