carrera
/kaˈreɾa/feminine
The English word career is translated into Spanish as carrera. Wiktionary also lists oficio and trayectoria (profesional).
Meaning: one's calling in life, a person's occupation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| carrera | /kaˈreɾa/ | feminine |
| oficio | /oˈfiθjo/ /oˈfisjo/ |
masculine |
| trayectoria (profesional) | feminine |
Spanish uses different words depending on whether you are talking about an academic degree, a professional path or a manual trade. In many contexts, carrera refers specifically to a university degree or the course of study one is pursuing.
Which one should you use?
While carrera implies a professional or academic path, oficio is used for a trade or a skilled manual occupation. If you want to describe the progression or the path of one's professional history rather than the occupation itself, use trayectoria (profesional).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of carrera is carreras. The plural form of oficio is oficios.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈreɾa/
Did you know?
- The word carrera is a cognate of the English word 'career' because both derive from the Latin word carrus, which refers to a two-wheeled chariot.
- In some contexts, carrera can refer to a taxi ride, as in una carrera de taxi.
- The word oficio is also used in a formal sense to describe an official letter or notification sent by a government body.
Examples in context
- El escándalo arruinó su carrera.The scandal ruined his career.This sentence shows how a scandal can affect one's carrera.Tatoeba #1287655 by marcelostockle, translation #681975 by Source_VOA
- Juan no sabe que carrera seguir.Juan doesn't know what career to pursue.This sentence illustrates the use of carrera regarding a choice of study or path.Tatoeba #1918184 by hayastan, translation #13647531 by araneo
- Su carrera política ha terminado.His political career has ended.This sentence uses carrera to describe a specific type of professional path.Tatoeba #2205748 by marcelostockle, translation #286952 by CM
- Ella tiene una exitosa carrera como abogada.She has a successful career as a lawyer
- Ella ha iniciado un nuevo camino laboral.She has embarked on a new career path
- ¿Qué carrera deseas seguir?What career do you want to pursue?
- Cuéntame acerca de tus metas profesionales.Tell me about your career goals
- Ella ha construido una carrera impresionante.She has built an impressive career
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing their future professional plans.
- MateoElena, ¿qué quieres hacer con tu carrera?Elena, what do you want to do with your career?
- ElenaQuiero empezar una carrera en el arte.I want to start a career in art.
- MateoEso suena muy emocionante y creativo.That sounds very exciting and creative.
- ElenaSí, es el sueño de mi vida.Yes, it is my life's dream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “career” translations and entries carrera, oficio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carrera, oficio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
