The Spanish nouns trabajo and empleo both relate to the concept of "job," but they have different nuances and uses.
Meaning and Scope
- Trabajo means "work" in a general sense. It can refer to any kind of task, effort, or job, whether paid or unpaid.
- Empleo specifically means "employment" or a paid position within an organization. It refers to having a job with a contract or agreement.
Usage
- Use trabajo when talking about work in general, tasks, projects, or effort. It can also mean a school assignment or even a piece of artwork.
- Use empleo when referring to a formal job or position, especially one that is paid and has some level of job security.
Examples
- Trabajo:
- Tengo mucho trabajo hoy. (I have a lot of work today.)
- El trabajo fue difícil. (The work was difficult.)
- Hice un trabajo sobre historia. (I did a project on history.)
- Empleo:
- Encontré un empleo nuevo. (I found a new job.)
- El empleo tiene buenos beneficios. (The job has good benefits.)
- Busco empleo en una oficina. (I’m looking for a job in an office.)
The job has good benefits. → El ___ tiene buenos beneficios.
empleo
*Empleo* is used when talking about formal job positions, which can include benefits.
Summary
- Trabajo = work/tasks/effort (general)
- Empleo = job/position/employment (specific and formal)
Which Spanish word means 'job' or 'employment' in a more specific and formal sense?
empleo
*Empleo* refers specifically to a job position or employment contract.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
