Inklingo

How to Say "vocation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vocación

nounB1general
Use 'vocación' when referring to a strong innate feeling or suitability for a particular career or profession.

Examples

Desde pequeña supe que mi verdadera vocación era la enseñanza.

Since I was little, I knew my true calling was teaching.

llamada

ya-MA-daʎaˈma.ða

nounB2general
Use 'llamada' for a profound sense of purpose, often with spiritual or deeply personal connotations, guiding someone towards a specific path or duty.
A person following a brightly lit path toward a glowing stethoscope placed on a hill, symbolizing a professional calling or vocation.

Examples

Sintió la llamada de la medicina desde muy joven.

She felt the calling of medicine from a very young age.

La ONG hizo una llamada a la solidaridad internacional.

The NGO made an appeal for international solidarity.

oficio

oh-FEE-syohoˈfiθjo

nounA2general
Use 'oficio' primarily for a skilled trade, craft, or manual occupation that someone learns and practices.
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'.

Vocación vs. Oficio

Learners often confuse 'vocación' and 'oficio'. Remember that 'vocación' relates to a career passion or suitability, while 'oficio' specifically refers to a manual trade or craft learned through practice.

Related Translations

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