Inklingo

How to Say "vocation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llamada

/ya-MA-da//ʎaˈma.ða/

nounB2general
Use 'llamada' when referring to a strong, often internal or spiritual, pull towards a particular profession or life path, especially one that feels like a destiny.
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-syoh/oˈfiθjo/

nounA2general
Use 'oficio' to describe a skilled trade or profession, particularly one learned through apprenticeship or manual labor, emphasizing the craft itself.
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'.

Llamada vs. Oficio

Learners often confuse 'llamada' and 'oficio' by using 'llamada' for any job. Remember, 'llamada' implies a higher purpose or destiny, while 'oficio' refers to a practical trade or craft.

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