Office Vocabulary in Spanish
Comprehensive collection of Spanish vocabulary and phrases typically used in an office environment.
ser despedido
to be fired
The Spanish term 'ser despedido' translates to 'to be fired' in English. This phrase is commonly used in professional or employment contexts where an individual's formal relationship with a job or organization is terminated. It implies a certain level of permanence, often used when someone loses their job due to reasons that may include a lack of performance, economic difficulties of the company, or restructuring of positions. It's crucial to understand regional differences in language usage, however, as different Spanish-speaking regions may have varying colloquial expressions for job termination.
sindicarse
syndicate
The Spanish term 'sindicarse' translates to 'syndicate' in English. As a verb, 'sindicarse' refers to the action of joining or becoming a member of a syndicate or a union. A syndicate can be defined as a group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest, especially in business. In essence, when someone 'se sindica', they become part of a collective unit, often with the goal of mutual support and coordination.
sociedad de consumo
consumer society
The term 'sociedad de consumo' translates to 'consumer society' in English. This is a term used to describe a society that is characterized by the mass production and consumption of goods and services. It is often associated with capitalism and the western world where the acquisition of wealth and possessions is a significant cultural value. In this society, individuals are considered not only as citizens, but also as consumers where purchasing and owning material possessions is a primary driving force.
Example sentences with sociedad de consumo →sociedad limitada
limited society
The term 'sociedad limitada' in Spanish refers to a limited liability company or corporation in English. This is a type of business structure that combines the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation. This means that the company members are not personally liable for the company's debts and obligations beyond their investments in the company. Thus, the 'limited' in 'sociedad limitada' refers to this limit on liability, and not a 'limited society'.
Example sentences with sociedad limitada →socio
partner
The Spanish term 'socio' translates to the English word 'partner'. It can have a variety of uses depending on context, but often refers to a business partner or someone with whom one shares a significant responsibility or undertaking. For example, someone might refer to their business collaborator as their 'socio'. In a more casual setting, 'socio' can also refer to a partner in the sense of a life partner or spouse. However, this use is less common. As with all translations, understanding the intended meaning depends greatly on the context in which it's used.
solicitar el subsidio de desempleo
request unemployment benefit
The Spanish phrase 'solicitar el subsidio de desempleo' translates to 'request unemployment benefit' in English. It's often used in situations where an individual, having lost their job, makes an official application to a government authority for monetary support until they secure new employment. This support is generally known as an unemployment benefit. So, if you hear or see the phrase 'solicitar el subsidio de desempleo', know that it pertains to someone applying or asking for unemployment benefits.
subastar
auction
The Spanish word 'subastar' translates to 'auction' in English. This is typically used in the context of selling or buying items where the price is negotiated by way of bidding. The item in question is sold to the highest bidder. This term can be used in various contexts, for example, in arts, antiques, and property markets, and even online platforms like eBay also perform 'subasta' which means 'auction' in English.
subcontratar
subcontract
The Spanish word 'subcontratar' translates to 'subcontract' in English. This verb is often used in the context of business and employment. For instance, a company might 'subcontract' or 'subcontratar' tasks to a third party rather than having their own employees do the work. It's a common practice in various sectors including construction, IT and event organization where specific expertise or temporary manpower is required.
subir el desempleo
rising unemployment
The Spanish phrase 'subir el desempleo' translates in English to 'rising unemployment'. In a more detailed context, 'subir' means 'to increase or rise', 'el' is the definite article 'the', and 'desempleo' means 'unemployment'. Therefore, when put together, these words denote a situation where the rate of unemployed individuals in a certain location or during a certain period is increasing.
subir el paro
climb the strike
The Spanish phrase 'subir el paro' directly translates to 'climb the strike' in English. However, it's not a literal translation. In conversational context, this phrase is often used to refer to the increase or rise in unemployment levels or rates. 'Subir' translates to 'to climb' or 'rise', 'el' is 'the', and 'paro' is most commonly used to refer to 'unemployment' or 'strike'. So, in a more colloquial sense, it would mean 'the unemployment rises'. A more accurate translation might therefore be 'to raise unemployment' or 'unemployment is rising'. Remember, nuances in meaning can vary by region and the context in which phrases are used.
subir el precio
raise the price
The phrase 'subir el precio' in Spanish translates to 'raise the price' in English. In the context of business, finance or commerce, 'subir el precio' means to increase the monetary value or cost of a good, service or product. It suggests an upward adjustment or hike in the amount of money required in order to purchase or acquire something.
subir el sueldo
raise the salary
The Spanish phrase 'subir el sueldo' translates to 'raise the salary' in English. This phrase is often used in workplaces or professional contexts to refer to the act of increasing a person's salary. For example, an employee might ask their boss to 'subir el sueldo', or a company might 'subir el sueldo' of their employees after a profitable year.
sueldo bruto
Gross salary
The term 'sueldo bruto' in Spanish translates to 'gross salary' in English. This is a term commonly used in business and finance that refers to the total income one earns before any deductions such as taxes, insurance, and social security contributions are taken out. Apart from employment, it can also refer to the total revenue or sales of a company before deducting any business expenses or taxes. It is a significant term as it provides an essential understanding of an individual's or business's initial earnings.
sueldo neto
Net salary
The Spanish term 'sueldo neto' translates to 'net salary' in English. It refers to the amount of money an individual receives from their employer after deductions such as taxes and social security contributions are subtracted from the gross salary. The net salary is the final income that an employee takes home and is able to use for personal expenses.
suministrar productos
supply products
The phrase 'suministrar productos' in Spanish translates to 'supply products' in English. This phrase is generally used in business or commerce to denote the act of providing goods or items to a store or business from a producer or wholesaler. It is a fundamental aspect of trade and a critical process in the supply chain management system. It further implies that the products are available and can be given out when needed, underscoring the importance of timing, quantity, and quality in transactions.
superar el periodo de prueba
exceed the trial period
The Spanish phrase 'superar el periodo de prueba' is translated as 'exceed the trial period' in English. This phrase often refers to a specific period of time set for a person to prove their abilities or skills, mainly in the workplace. When someone 'supera el periodo de prueba', it means that they have successfully accomplished or surpassed the expectations set for this probationary period.
taller
workshop
The Spanish word 'taller' translates to 'workshop' in English. In everyday use, it is commonly referred to a place where manual work is done, such as repairs or the manufacture of objects. In academia, it can refer to a creative environment where people gather to collaborate and learn or work on a common project or subject. The exact interpretation may differ based on cultural context or regional usage, but the general essence remains the same.
tarjeta
card
The Spanish word for 'card' is 'tarjeta'. It can refer to a credit card, business card, postcard, or any general card. Similar to English, it is context dependent. For example, 'tarjeta de crédito' means 'credit card', while 'tarjeta de visita' is 'business card'. Therefore, you can use 'tarjeta' in various situations just like the use of 'card' in English.
Example sentences with tarjeta →tarjeta de visita
business card
The Spanish term 'tarjeta de visita' translates to 'business card' in English. A business card is a small, usually credit-card sized paper card that has your business information such as name, contact details, and company logo. It is a way to present your professional information to others in a compact, tangible format. This term is used commonly in both professional and casual contexts where individuals need to share their business contact details quickly and effectively.
tarjeta telefónica
telephone card
The Spanish phrase 'tarjeta telefónica' translates to 'telephone card' in English. Telephone cards, also known as calling cards, are often used to pay for telephone services. They function by providing users with access to a network service when the card's code is entered. Depending on the type of card, this may allow for a specific duration of call time, or for a set number of calls. These cards are commonly used in payphones and can also be used for home, office, and cellular telephone calls.
tasa
rate
The word 'tasa' in Spanish refers to 'rate' in English. It is often used in context of rate of interest, growth, exchange and so on. For example, 'tasa de interés' means interest rate. It can also be used in expressions like 'a tal tasa' which means 'at such rate'. Make sure to use it in right context as Spanish language have different words for different contexts.
Example sentences with tasa →tasa de aduana
customs rate
The Spanish phrase 'tasa de aduana' translates to 'customs rate' in English. This phrase refers to the tariff or tax imposed on goods when they are transported across international borders. This rate is determined by several factors such as the type and value of the commodity, its origin, and various customs laws and regulations. The collection of these rates helps to support the operation of the government and protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Example sentences with tasa de aduana →teléfono fijo
landline
The Spanish term 'teléfono fijo' translates to 'landline' in English. This term is commonly used to refer to a phone that is connected to the network via a physical cable, rather than a mobile device that uses cellular networks. These are often found in homes, businesses, and other permanent structures where a consistent and reliable connection is crucial. Despite the rapid shift towards mobile communication in many parts of the world, landlines continue to play an integral role in many contexts, such as in certain professional settings and for certain demographic groups who find the technology to be more user-friendly and reliable.
tener ambición
having ambition
The Spanish phrase 'tener ambición' is translated as 'having ambition' in English. It is a phrase that conveys a powerful aspiration or desire to reach certain goals, implying a strong determination to achieve something. This could range from aspiring for professional success, personal progress to broader idealistic objectives. This phrase can be attributed to individuals who show keenness, enthusiasm, and vigor towards their goals.
tener buenas referencias
have good references
The Spanish phrase 'tener buenas referencias' translates to 'have good references' in English. It is often used in a professional context to indicate that the individual has favorable character or job performance reviews from previous employers, managers, or other important individuals who can vouch for their abilities and integrity. However, it can also be used in personal contexts to convey that someone is well-regarded or recommended by other people who know them well.
tener malas referencias
having bad references
The Spanish phrase 'tener malas referencias' translates to 'having bad references' in English. It is often used in professional contexts, such as when applying for a job. If someone has 'malas referencias', it means they have bad remarks or reviews from previous employers or colleagues. It's not a literal reference but rather a personal, job-related remark or critique.
tener trabajo
having work
The Spanish phrase 'tener trabajo' is directly translated into English as 'to have work'. It is used to signify one's possession of work, tasks or duties. It could refer to both the state of employment or any kind of task or responsibility that someone might have. For instance, in a sentence it could be used as follows: 'No puedo salir esta noche porque tengo trabajo' which means 'I can't go out tonight because I have work.'
tener un accidente de trabajo
having a work accident
The phrase 'tener un accidente de trabajo' in Spanish translates to 'having a work accident' in English. This expression is generally used to describe a situation where a person experiences an accident during their job or working hours. It includes any harmful event that may occur while performing work-related tasks, whether on the official worksite or elsewhere. This term emphasizes the connection between the accident and the work being performed when the accident happened.
tener un día libre
having a day off
The Spanish phrase 'tener un día libre' translates to 'having a day off' in English. It is commonly used when referring to a day where one is free from obligations, such as work or school, and can rest or do leisure activities instead.
tener un empleo en una multinacional
having a job in a multinational
The Spanish phrase 'tener un empleo en una multinacional' translates to 'having a job in a multinational' in English. This phrase could be used in a variety of contexts, but is most commonly found in professional and business environments. 'Tener' means 'to have', 'un empleo' refers to 'a job', 'en' translates to 'in', and 'una multinacional' is 'a multinational'. Therefore, putting all the words together gives the meaning of working in a multinational company or corporation.