How to Say "trainee" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “trainee” is “aprendiz” — use 'aprendiz' for someone learning a trade or craft, often in a hands-on, workshop-style environment, similar to an apprentice.
aprendiz
ah-pren-DEESa.pɾenˈdiθ
Examples
El aprendiz de panadero llega muy temprano al taller.
The baker's apprentice arrives very early at the workshop.
Como todavía soy una aprendiz, cometo algunos errores.
As I am still a learner, I make some mistakes.
En la Edad Media, un aprendiz no recibía un salario, sino comida y techo.
In the Middle Ages, an apprentice didn't receive a salary, but food and shelter.
One word for everyone
The word 'aprendiz' stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the 'el' to 'la' (e.g., el aprendiz, la aprendiz).
The 'Z' to 'C' rule
When talking about more than one learner, the 'z' at the end changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one is 'aprendiz', but two are 'aprendices'.
Adding an 'a' for women
Mistake: “La aprendiza.”
Correction: While 'aprendiza' technically exists in some dictionaries, 'la aprendiz' is much more common and sounds more natural in modern Spanish.
junior
HOO-nee-or'xu.njɔr
Examples
Necesitan un desarrollador junior para el nuevo proyecto.
They need a junior developer for the new project.
Empezó como analista junior y ascendió rápidamente.
He started as a junior analyst and was promoted quickly.
Common in Job Titles
This term is often used as part of a job title, like 'ingeniero junior' (junior engineer), to indicate a level of experience rather than age.
cadete
ka-DEH-tehkaˈðete
Examples
El cadete saludó al capitán con respeto.
The cadet saluted the captain with respect.
Ella es la mejor cadete de su promoción en la academia de policía.
She is the best cadet in her class at the police academy.
Los cadetes deben vivir en el cuartel durante el primer año.
The cadets must live in the barracks during the first year.
One word, two genders
The word 'cadete' doesn't change its ending. To show if you are talking about a man or a woman, just change the word 'the' in front: 'el cadete' for a man and 'la cadete' for a woman.
Plurals
To make it plural, simply add an 's' at the end: 'los cadetes' or 'las cadetes'.
The 'a' Trap
Mistake: “No digas 'la cadeta'.”
Correction: Say 'la cadete'. Even though it refers to a female, the word ending in 'e' stays the same.
Choosing between 'aprendiz' and 'junior'
Related Translations
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