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How to Say "trade" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comercio

koh-mehr-syohkoˈmeɾsjo

nounB1general
Use 'comercio' when referring to the general exchange of goods and services, especially on a larger scale like international business or retail.
Two stylized figures engaging in trade. One figure holds a basket of fruit, and the other holds a small sack of money, symbolizing the exchange that defines commerce.

Examples

El comercio internacional ha crecido mucho este año.

International trade has grown a lot this year.

Estudió la historia del comercio en la antigüedad.

She studied the history of commerce in antiquity.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', remember 'comercio' is always a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

oficio

oh-FEE-syohoˈfiθjo

nounA2general
Choose 'oficio' to talk about a skilled manual profession or craft, like being a carpenter, plumber, or shoemaker.
A carpenter wearing a tool belt is sanding a piece of wood on a workbench in a brightly lit workshop.

Examples

Mi abuelo aprendió el oficio de zapatero a los quince años.

My grandfather learned the trade of shoemaker when he was fifteen.

Se necesita mucha paciencia para dominar este oficio.

A lot of patience is needed to master this craft.

Masculine Noun

Even though 'oficio' ends in '-o', it is always used with masculine articles: 'el oficio', 'un oficio'.

gremio

GREH-mee-ohˈɡɾemjo

nounB2specific
Use 'gremio' when referring to a group or association of people in a particular profession, often acting collectively.
A group of carpenters in matching aprons standing together holding wooden planks and tools.

Examples

El gremio de taxistas está en huelga hoy.

The taxi drivers' union is on strike today.

En la Edad Media, cada gremio tenía sus propias reglas.

In the Middle Ages, each guild had its own rules.

Es un honor ser parte del gremio de escritores.

It is an honor to be part of the writers' trade.

Always Masculine

The word 'gremio' ends in 'o' and is always masculine (el gremio), even if the group is mostly made of women.

Using 'de' for the Trade

To specify which group you mean, simply add 'de' plus the name of the profession: 'gremio de actores' (actors' guild).

Gremio vs. Sindicato

Mistake: “Using 'gremio' exclusively for modern legal unions.”

Correction: While often used interchangeably in some countries, 'sindicato' is the legal term for a labor union, whereas 'gremio' can also mean the whole community of people in that job.

trata

tra-taˈtɾata

nounB2specific
This word is specifically used for the 'slave trade' or, more broadly today, 'human trafficking'.
A dark cargo ship sailing across a stormy, grey sea carrying large, unmarked wooden crates, symbolizing illegal trade or trafficking.

Examples

La trata de personas es un crimen horrible.

Human trafficking is a horrible crime.

Hay leyes estrictas contra la trata de animales exóticos.

There are strict laws against the trafficking of exotic animals.

La historia de la trata de esclavos es una parte oscura del pasado.

The history of the slave trade is a dark part of the past.

General Exchange vs. Skilled Profession

Learners often confuse 'comercio' and 'oficio'. Remember that 'comercio' refers to the business or exchange of goods, while 'oficio' is about the skilled craft or manual labor itself.

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