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How to Say "trade" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comercio

/koh-mehr-syoh//koˈmeɾsjo/

nounB1general
Use 'comercio' when referring to the general exchange of goods and services, especially on a larger scale like international business or a shop.
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-syoh/oˈfiθjo/

nounA2general
Choose 'oficio' when talking about a skilled manual occupation or craft, like plumbing, carpentry, or shoemaking, emphasizing the learned skill.
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'.

trata

/tra-ta//ˈtɾata/

nounB2formal, negative connotation
Use 'trata' specifically when referring to the illegal or unethical exchange of people, most commonly known as human trafficking or the slave trade.
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.

Confusing General Trade vs. Skilled Craft

The most common confusion is between 'comercio' and 'oficio'. Remember, 'comercio' refers to the buying and selling of goods, while 'oficio' is about a learned skill or manual profession.

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