fichar
/fiˈt͡ʃaɾ/
To clock in is fichar in Spanish.
The verb fichar is used to describe the action of beginning or ending your working time. You can use the specific phrase fichar la entrada to mean specifically 'to clock in' at the start of a shift. The noun el fichaje refers to the actual process of clocking in or out or the record itself.
Meaning: to begin working time (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Uruguay, the verb marcar is frequently used to express clocking in or out. In Mexico and Colombia, speakers may prefer using registrar or anotar.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiˈtʃaɾ/
Did you know?
- In the world of sports, fichar is the standard term for signing a new player to a team. When a football club 'signs' a star athlete, they are fichando that player.
- When a police officer records a criminal's information in a database, they are also using the verb fichar. The action of 'clocking in' and 'filing' a criminal record share the same Spanish word.
- While 'to clock in' is a very common English expression, if you use fichar in a non-work context, it can also mean 'to keep an eye on' or 'to track' someone's movements.
Examples in context
- Todos los trabajadores tienen que fichar a la entrada y a la salida.All workers have to clock in and out.This sentence shows how workers must use fichar at both the start and the end of their shifts.
- No olvides fichar antes de empezar.Don't forget to clock in before starting.
- ¿A qué hora tienes que fichar hoy?What time do you have to clock in today?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking near the office entrance.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿ya te toca fichar?Lucía, is it your turn to clock in already?
- LucíaSí, tengo que fichar ahora mismo.Yes, I have to clock in right now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, yo ficharé en cinco minutos.Perfect, I will clock in in five minutes.
- LucíaMuy bien, nos vemos en la oficina.Very well, see you in the office.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fichar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
