contratista
/kontɾaˈtista/feminine
The Spanish word for contractor is contratista.
A contratista refers to a person or company that constructs or improves buildings or structures.
Meaning: A person or company that constructs or improves buildings or structures (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term albañil refers specifically to a mason or bricklayer rather than a general contractor. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, maestro de obra is used to refer to a contractor.
How does it change in a sentence?
contratista is an epicene noun, which means it has the same form for both masculine and feminine genders. To form the plural, add -s to the end: contratistas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontɾaˈtista/
Did you know?
- While contratista sounds professional, if you are in a Mexican construction site and want to address the person in charge, using maestro sounds more respectful and traditional than using the formal contratista.
- Outside of construction, contratista is used to describe any independent professional providing a service under a contract, from IT consultants to security firms.
- The suffix -ista in contratista is shared with many English words like 'artist' or 'dentist', as both come from the same Greek roots meaning a person who performs a specific action.
Examples in context
- Necesito contactar a un contratista para construir mi casaI need to contact a contractor to build my house
- Este constructor está especializado en proyectos de remodelaciónThis contractor specializes in remodeling projects
- Busco un profesional de la construcción con experiencia en obras grandesI'm looking for a construction professional with experience in large-scale projects
- Mi tío es un constructor con mucha experiencia en remodelacionesMy uncle is a contractor with a lot of experience in remodeling
- El contratista estimó el costo total de la obraThe contractor estimated the total cost of the project
- Llamé a un constructor para arreglar el techo de mi casaI called a contractor to fix my house's roof
- Mi primo es un constructor en Sevilla y está trabajando en un proyecto de restauración del casco antiguoMy cousin is a contractor in Seville and is working on an old town restoration project
- La contratista es muy profesional.The contractor is very professional.
- Necesito hablar con la contratista.I need to speak with the contractor.
- Ella es la contratista de la obra.She is the contractor for the construction site.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a home renovation project.
- María¿Ya llamaste a la contratista?Did you already call the contractor?
- JavierSí, la contratista vendrá mañana.Yes, the contractor will come tomorrow.
- MaríaEspero que ella sea buena.I hope she is good.
- JavierMe dijeron que es excelente.They told me she is excellent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “contractor” translations and entries contratista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contratista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
