Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (2023)

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (1)

November 22, 2021 by Javier Grazioso Spanish Vocabulary 0 comments

Being able to speak Spanish in the workplace is beneficial.

The fact is, the more globalized the world becomes, the more we interact with people from other cultures and other countries. 22 countries around the world speak Spanish as an official language.

That amounts to roughly 543,000,000 Spanish-speakers around the world, which means we are 6% of the world population!

Read this blog post to learn essential Spanish workplace vocabulary including:

  • Work and job related words – Palabras relacionadas con el trabajo
  • Employees and workers – Empleados y trabajadores
  • Objects around the office – Objetos alrededor de la oficina

Let’s get to work!

Join more than 559 million people on the planet who speak Spanish!
Sign up for your free trial Spanish class today. ➡️

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (2)

The Importance of Being Bilingual in the Workplace

Do you ever wonder about the benefits of speaking Spanish in the workplace? Being bilingual has many benefits, such as:

  • Being mentally stronger for a longer time
  • Improving your language-learning skills
  • Increasing your awareness of other cultures

As a bilingual person, I can tell you that speaking two languages is not only awesome and fulfilling but also useful. By speaking English and Spanish, I can visit any country in at least two continents (the Americas and Oceania) without having to learn another language.

Being bilingual opens a whole new world for you, culturally and professionally speaking. Companies such as AT&T and National Vision seek bilingual employees, according to this article.

PRO TIP: Learn to build rapport with total strangers.

Trabajar Conjugation

When it comes to Spanish in the workplace, it’s important to learn the verb for “to work” in Spanish, trabajar. Let’s learn how to conjugate the verb trabajar in five tenses.

Simple Present – El presente del indicativo

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (4)

Simple Past – El pretérito del indicativo

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (5)

Simple Future – El futuro del indicativo

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (6)

Simple Past – El imperfecto del indicativo

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (7)

Present Perfect – El pretérito perfecto

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (8)

Example Sentences in Spanish

Yo trabajo como agente libre escribiendo.
I work as a freelance writer.

Mi abuela trabajó como enfermera hace muchos años.
My grandmother worked as a nurse many years ago.

Mi abuelo trabajaba como director de un banco.
My grandfather used to work as a bank director.

Nunca he trabajado con niños.
I have never worked with children.

Trabajabamos en ventas hasta el año pasado.
We used to work in sales up until last year.

PRO TIP: Remember that People in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Argentina, Uruguay, and some Latin American cities use el voseo. Don’t forget that the pronoun usted is the formal “you.”

Spanish in the Workplace: Work and Job Vocabulary

EnglishSpanish
jobel trabajo
laborla labor, el oficio
occupationla ocupación, el oficio
positionla posición
professionla profesión
workel trabajo

Example Sentences in Spanish

Mi hermano tiene una posición de cajero en su trabajo.
My brother has a position as a cashier at work.

La profesión de mi padre es administración de empresas.
My father’s profession is business management.

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (9)

Spanish in the Workplace: Commerce Words

EnglishSpanish
exporterel exportador, la exportadora
importerel importador, la importadora
manufacturerel manufacturador, el fabricante
offerla oferta
opportunitieslas oportunidades
profitlas ganancias
purchasela compra, la adquisición
savingslos ahorros
shareslas acciones
stock exchangeel mercado de acciones
strengthslas fortalezas
weaknesseslas debilidades

Example Sentences in Spanish

El fabricante no podrá cumplir con la órden a tiempo.
The manufacturer will not be able to deliver the order on time.

Las debilidades del negocio son muy claras.
The business’ weaknesses are very clear.

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (10)

Spanish in the Workplace: Employers

There are many places to work and professions in Spanish. Here’s a list of workplaces related to business in Spanish.

EnglishSpanish
agencyla agencia
business firmla firma de negocios
companyla compañía
corporationla corporación
enterprisela empresa
factoryla fábrica
firmla firma
officela oficina
plantla planta

Example Sentences in Spanishs

Mi esposa trabajó en una oficina.
My wife worked in an office.

Él y yo trabajamos en una agencia de publicidad.
He and I work in an advertising agency.

Esa compañía de seguros no trabaja bien.
That insurance company does not work well.

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (11)

Parts of a Company in Spanish

A good business Spanish vocabulary includes knowing how to refer to parts of a company. Certain departamentos (departments) are present in a company.

EnglishSpanish
accountingla contabilidad
customer serviceel servicio al cliente
financelas finanzas
human resources (HR)los recursos humanos (RRHH)
managementla gerencia
marketingel marketing
public relationslas relaciones públicas
purchasinglas compras
researchla investigación
saleslas ventas
technical supportel soporte técnico

Example Sentences in Spanish

¿Trabajas en el departamento de ventas?
Do you work in the sales department?

Recursos Humanos no se ocupa de esos trámites.
Human Resources does not see those procedures.

El departamento de servicio al cliente es el que tiene más empleados.
The department of customer service is the one with the most employees.

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (12)

Spanish in the Workplace: Employees and Workers

Every company has different workers and positions, but many major companies have these on their personal (personnel/staff).

EnglishSpanish
accountantel contador, la contadora
CEO, chairpersonel presidente
director of…el director, la directora de…
executive directorel director, la directora ejecutivo(a)
freelancerel agente libre
managerel, la gerente
ownerel dueño, la dueña
presidentel presidente
shareholderel, la accionista
vice presidentel vicepresidente, la vicepresidenta

Example Sentences in Spanish

Los accionistas de Tesla están contentos.
Tesla’s shareholders are happy.

El gerente entra a las nueve de la mañana.
The manager comes in at nine a.m..

El director ejecutivo estará en la reunión de hoy.
The executive director is going to be at the meeting today.

Learn the Basics: Spanish Workplace Vocabulary, Grammar, and Phrases (13)

Spanish in the Workplace: Objects Around the Office

Spanish in the workplace has many branches. One of them is the physical things you find around the office.

EnglishSpanish
computerla computadora, el computador, el ordenador
deskel escritorio
documentel documento
fileel archivo
keyboardel teclado
laptopla computadora portatil
paperworkla papelería, la documentación
penel bolígrafo, la pluma, el lapicero
pencilel lápiz
reportel reporte, el informe

Learn Spanish and Improve Your Performance at Work

Learning this workplace Spanish vocabulary is a great start, but it can only take you so far! Learning Spanish in today’s world is a must. To become fluent, you have to practice and develop your skills.

By becoming bilingual you can earn between $50,000 and $125,000 more. With the extra money, you can visit many destinations in Latin America like Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, and many more.

Sign up for a free trial class today, and join Homeschool Spanish Academy’s 24,000-student community! With over 10 years of experience, Homeschool Spanish Academy offers flexible class scheduling, high school credit, and live classes that help you learn Spanish in a way that’s both authentic and effective. Check out our payment and pricing options, and start learning Spanish now!

Ready to learn more Spanish vocabulary? Check these out!

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Javier Grazioso

Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy

Italo-Guatemalan, born and raised in Guatemala City, where I got a B.A. in Communication and Journalism. Currently, I'm living in Spain where I'm studying for a master's degree. I'm a language and travel enthusiast who speaks Spanish, English, Italian, and a bit of Hungarian. I love watching sports, practicing boxing, writing, and gaming.

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Spanish for work spanish vocabulary

FAQs

How can I learn Spanish in the workplace? ›

Tips for learning Spanish at work
  1. Create a plan (and sticking to it).
  2. Schedule time to listen to Spanish podcasts.
  3. Choose your favourite Spanish songs and listening to them.
  4. Use an app to practice.
  5. Listen to audiobooks/podcasts.
  6. Do verb exercises on your lunch break.

How can I learn basic Spanish vocabulary? ›

Tips to Learn Spanish Vocabulary
  1. Make flashcards and sticky notes. ...
  2. Watch videos or TV. ...
  3. Read short stories. ...
  4. Keep a vocabulary journal. ...
  5. Study loan words and cognates. ...
  6. Actively use the vocabulary you learn. ...
  7. Vocabulary lists, flashcards and articles. ...
  8. Reading.
Jul 20, 2022

What are the 5 steps to speak Spanish? ›

How To Speak Spanish In 5 Deliberate Steps
  • Step 1 – Learn Conversational Vocabulary.
  • Step 2 – Learn Conversational Grammar.
  • Step 3 – Develop Your Listening Comprehension.
  • Step 4 – Building Rapport.
  • Step 5 – Make Mistakes.

How do you teach new vocabulary in Spanish? ›

3 Simple Tips for Teaching Spanish Vocabulary
  1. Teach a Wide Range of Vocabulary. While thematic vocabulary learning is a common way to learn and practice new words, it's also somewhat artificial and not super effective. ...
  2. Introduce and Practice Vocabulary Consistently. ...
  3. Teach Students to Decode New Words.
Feb 16, 2021

How can I improve my language in the workplace? ›

You can develop each of these language skills to assist with your workplace communications:
  1. Listening.
  2. Speaking. ...
  3. Reading. ...
  4. Writing. ...
  5. Use a dictionary and other resources. ...
  6. Learn a new language. ...
  7. Know your language comprehension strengths and weaknesses. ...
  8. Improve your public speaking skills.
Jun 30, 2022

How can I improve my professional Spanish? ›

7 tips on speaking Spanish fluently and confidently
  1. Read aloud. Spanish pronunciation is easy as each letter of the alphabet can only be pronounced one way. ...
  2. Practise, practise, practise. ...
  3. Buddy up. ...
  4. Build your own phrasebook. ...
  5. Stick to one Spanish variety. ...
  6. Sing along. ...
  7. Exercise your brain.

Should I learn Spanish vocabulary or grammar first? ›

While vocabulary may just have the upper hand over grammar in the pecking order, the most efficient way to learn a language is through learning grammar and vocabulary at the same time.

How long does it take to learn basic conversational Spanish? ›

If you start out as a beginner and manage to spend an average of 1 hour per day working on your Spanish, you should be able to reach conversational fluency within 8 – 12 months. That translates to about 250 – 350 hours spent.

In what order should I learn Spanish? ›

There is no set order to learning the language. There is a certain natural order in which you will pick things up, but that does not mean you should learn them in that order. A common criticism of courses is that they are too rigid and structured in their approach.

What is the first thing to teach Spanish? ›

A beginner Spanish learner focuses on learning the essential use of the language such as: presentation, basic vocabulary and everyday phrases. Therefore, the first lessons for teaching Spanish to beginners will focus on how to ask questions, construct simple sentences and basic concepts.

What is a fast way to learn Spanish? ›

How to learn Spanish faster: 10 tips
  • Sing along to the music. ...
  • Watch Telenovelas. ...
  • Read everything. ...
  • Enhance your commute. ...
  • Translate. ...
  • Find a Spanish-speaking lover. ...
  • Move to Spain! ...
  • Or at least travel to a Spanish-speaking spot (and then practice!)

What is the first step to teach vocabulary? ›

Step 1: Explain—Provide a description, explanation, or example of the new term. First, a teacher should provide students with information about the new term.

How can I practice new vocabulary? ›

Here are ten strategies to help you make words stick in your mind and use them in conversation.
  1. No random words. ...
  2. Learn in chunks and scripts. ...
  3. Use your inner voice. ...
  4. Visualise what the word or phrase looks like. ...
  5. Create mnemonics. ...
  6. Use spaced repetition. ...
  7. Dive deeper into etymology. ...
  8. Challenge yourself with word games.
Feb 16, 2017

How do you practice new vocabulary in ESL? ›

You can pre-teach vocabulary by using English as a second language (ESL) methods such as:
  1. Role playing or pantomiming.
  2. Using gestures.
  3. Showing real objects.
  4. Pointing to pictures.
  5. Doing quick drawings on the board.
  6. Using the Spanish equivalent and then asking students to say the word in English.

How can I learn a language while working full time? ›

Here are a few things you can do to improve your language skills while at work:
  1. Listen to language podcasts while commuting to work.
  2. Refresh your new word lists during coffee breaks.
  3. Go to a language exchange lunch.
  4. Give your personal folders or files second names in the second language.
Jan 9, 2017

How to learn corporate language? ›

What is your English level? Take our short English test to find out.
  1. Read English language newspapers and business websites. ...
  2. Watch English language TV shows and movies. ...
  3. Watch English language business and financial news. ...
  4. Set targets. ...
  5. Review before bedtime. ...
  6. Learn aloud. ...
  7. Put yourself in 'real life' English situations.

How do you fix language barriers in the workplace? ›

Here are a few things you can do to overcome language barriers in the workplace.
  1. Use plain language. ...
  2. Find a reliable translation service. ...
  3. Enlist interpreters. ...
  4. Provide classes for your employees. ...
  5. Use visual methods of communication. ...
  6. Use repetition. ...
  7. Be respectful.

How do you practice conversational Spanish? ›

How to Practice Speaking Spanish By Yourself
  1. Think en Español. ...
  2. Think Out Loud. ...
  3. Talk in the Mirror. ...
  4. Fluency over Grammar. ...
  5. Try Some Trabalenguas. ...
  6. Listen and Repeat Over and Over. ...
  7. Learn Some Spanish Songs. ...
  8. Learn Phrases and Common Sayings.
Nov 22, 2018

How can I be more conversational in Spanish? ›

Tips for learning conversational Spanish
  1. Keep a notebook of Spanish phrases you learn. Being conversational in Spanish is all about being confident in speaking. ...
  2. Pay close attention to connectors and fillers. ...
  3. Record yourself speaking.
Aug 23, 2021

Why is Spanish grammar easy? ›

Contrary to some beliefs, Spanish grammar is easy. It's a language with many regularities and very few exceptions. Spanish nouns have only two genders and the rules to distinguish them are very straightforward. If a word finishes with an -o, it is masculine, if with an -a, it's feminine.

How difficult is Spanish grammar? ›

As you may have seen, Spanish has many more grammatical difficulties than most other languages. While other languages lack gender in nouns or their irregular verbs have similarities with the infinitive, Spanish has different laws that make it difficult to learn even for native speakers.

Is there a trick to learning Spanish? ›

A good starting place for beginners is to drill the 100 most commonly used words until you can write, speak and comprehend them without effort. One way to encounter these on a regular basis is also to change your phone language to Spanish (or whichever language you're trying to learn).

How long should I study Spanish a day to become fluent? ›

The more time you dedicate to studying and practicing Spanish each day, the faster you will get through those learning hours. If you're wondering how much time I think you should spend learning Spanish, I suggest you set aside at least 60-90 minutes each day for dedicated Spanish learning.

How can I learn Spanish fluently in 30 days? ›

Here are eight steps to help you get the most out of learning Spanish in a month.
  1. Contents. Turn Your Life into a Spanish Crash Course. ...
  2. Turn Your Life into a Spanish Crash Course. ...
  3. Immerse Your World in Spanish. ...
  4. Use FluentU. ...
  5. Get a Personal Tutor. ...
  6. Study, Study, Study. ...
  7. Label Everything You Touch. ...
  8. Don't Use Any English.
May 18, 2023

What is the hardest language to learn? ›

Across multiple sources, Mandarin Chinese is the number one language listed as the most challenging to learn. The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center puts Mandarin in Category IV, which is the list of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers.

Is 30 minutes a day enough to learn Spanish? ›

Based on the data in our courses: If you learn Spanish by yourself, focus on learning chunks native Spanish speakers use, and you commit to studying 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week, you can get to an intermediate level in 48 weeks.

Can you learn basic Spanish in a month? ›

Fifteen hours per week is an intensive study schedule, but one that a highly motivated student could realistically commit to. That gives you around 60 hours of Spanish in one month.

What is the most difficult to learn Spanish? ›

Aspects that are most difficult for a foreigner to learn Spanish
  • The verbs ser and estar. ...
  • Nouns ending in "e". ...
  • The subjunctive mood. ...
  • Intonation. ...
  • The letters j, g and r. ...
  • The letters ñ and h.
Jun 10, 2021

How do I start learning Spanish on my own? ›

7 Ways to Practice Spanish at Home for Beginners
  1. Watch TV Shows and Movies in Spanish. It's time to indulge yourself and watch all of your favorite Spanish TV shows and movies! ...
  2. Learn Spanish Tongue Twisters. ...
  3. Label Everything In Your House. ...
  4. Use Language Apps. ...
  5. Listen to Music in Spanish. ...
  6. Get a Tutor. ...
  7. Play Games.
Feb 17, 2022

How to start learning Spanish step by step? ›

Contents
  1. Step 1: Understand Your Motivation.
  2. Step 2: Set Proper Goals for Your Learning.
  3. Step 3: Start a Course.
  4. Step 4: Buy Some Books.
  5. Step 5: Set a Schedule.
  6. Step 6: Immerse Yourself in Spanish.
  7. Other Things to Know About Starting Spanish.
  8. What to Expect in the Beginning. Different Ways to Learn Spanish. Be Your Own Teacher.
May 14, 2023

What Spanish words should I learn first? ›

These basic words will also aid you in connecting sentences and ideas as you begin to learn more Spanish words.
  • Hola (Hello)
  • Adios (Goodbye)
  • Gracias (Thank you)
  • Por favor (Please)
  • Si (Yes)
  • Claro (Of course)
  • No (No)
  • Amor (Love)
Aug 25, 2021

Which Spanish verbs should I learn first? ›

The three main tenses you should learn first in Spanish are the present (el presente), the past (also called the preterite, el pretérito), and the future (el futuro). They're the ones you'll run into most. You can get a lot of things across from these tenses and still be understood in the beginning.

How many hours of Spanish does it take to become fluent? ›

According to an FSI study, i.e. the Foreign Service Institute, it should take a new learner approximately 600 classroom hours to achieve conversational fluency in Spanish. They also suggest an approximate 1:1 ratio between the time spent independently studying Spanish and the time spent in a classroom.

What is the essential words routine? ›

1. Essential Words Routine. Teachers use a simple graphic organizer to preteach the meanings of important words in about 5 minutes per word. During this routine, teachers introduce target words with definitions, visual cues, and examples.

What order do you teach words? ›

A: There is no one set prescribed order to teach sight words. Some teachers and parents teach the sight words from the Dolch or Fry lists in alphabetical order. Others use the lists and create their own order. Consider using the Frequency Fry List that has words ranked by the frequency of use for reading and writing.

How do you teach vocabulary and grammar? ›

The seven ways
  1. Provide a context. ...
  2. Help students to say the target language. ...
  3. Provide a written record. ...
  4. Personalize the target language. ...
  5. Help students to guess the grammar rules of the target language. ...
  6. Help students to understand the communicative importance of grammar.

How do you remember vocabulary when learning a language? ›

Here are 7 effective and fun ways to memorize foreign vocabulary.
  1. Incorporate Your Environment. ...
  2. Use Mnemonic Images. ...
  3. Create Stories with New Vocabulary. ...
  4. Try to Use New Words Everyday. ...
  5. Use Language Learning Apps. ...
  6. Watch Foreign Movies and TV. ...
  7. Use Flash Cards and Quizzes.
Nov 5, 2022

What are 10 vocab words? ›

Full list of words from this list:
  • atrocity. an act of shocking cruelty.
  • fanatical. marked by excessive enthusiasm for a cause or idea.
  • pensive. deeply or seriously thoughtful.
  • respite. a pause from doing something.
  • discordant. not in agreement or harmony.
  • eloquent. ...
  • encompass. ...
  • imperceptible.

How do you teach vocabulary fluency? ›

Be sure to have a look at the comprehensive list of targeted strategies to help you teach vocabulary to your students.
  1. Take a student's perspective. ...
  2. Try using a word wall. ...
  3. Create vocabulary notebooks. ...
  4. Connect word meanings with semantic mapping. ...
  5. Make word cards. ...
  6. Encourage reading comprehension. ...
  7. Use visuals and situations.
Aug 3, 2022

What is the most widely used method for teaching vocabulary in ESL? ›

Communicative language teaching is perhaps the most popular approach among the methods of teaching ESL today. CLT emphasizes the students' ability to communicate in real-life contexts, and students learn to make requests, accept offers, explain things, and express their feelings and preferences.

Can you speak Spanish in the workplace? ›

While an employer may require an employee to be able to speak English because the position requires it, an employer cannot forbid a worker from also speaking Spanish, or any other language, on the job.

How can I learn Spanish while commuting? ›

There are two main ways to learn: Active Learning and Passive Learning.
  1. Active Learning. Active learning occurs when there is discussion, questions, and critical thinking on a particular topic. ...
  2. Passive Learning. ...
  3. Listen to Podcasts. ...
  4. Listen to the Radio. ...
  5. Give Spanish Audiobooks a Try. ...
  6. Talk to Yourself. ...
  7. Carpool Conversations.
Mar 20, 2018

How do you learn Spanish when you are busy? ›

Find yourself too busy to spare a regular hour every day to study? Try setting an alarm, and study only 15 minutes. Once the alarm sets off, close your book and continue the next day. This will help you keep highly focused and make the most out of the short bit of time.

Can I learn Spanish on my commute? ›

Repetition is Key to Mastering a New Language

Not sure if it's practical to learn another language while commuting to and from work each day? Well not only is it possible—learning in your car on the way to and from work each day can actually help you learn and master Spanish or any language much faster!

What is not acceptable language in the workplace? ›

Is swearing at employees illegal? Managers should not use foul language to intimidate or humiliate team members. If the language used by an employer is so offensive and serious that an employee resigns from their job, they could issue a claim for constructive dismissal or discrimination.

Can you tell an employee not to speak Spanish? ›

Can Your Employer Prohibit You From Speaking Spanish at Your Job? Under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and federal law, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee based on his native language or manner of speech, such as accent, size of his vocabulary, and syntax.

Can my boss tell me I cant speak Spanish at work? ›

Under the provisions of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), employers with at least five employees generally cannot limit or prohibit the use of any language in the workplace, except in rare circumstances when they can demonstrate a legitimate business necessity do so.

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