orientación
/oɾjentaˈθjon/
In Spanish, guidance is translated as orientación.
While it can mean guidance, it is also frequently used in technical, educational or professional contexts to mean 'orientation'.
Meaning: advice (noun)
Which one should you use?
In professional settings, you may encounter different terms for similar concepts. asesoramiento is used for the specific act of providing expert advice or consultancy, whereas orientación refers more broadly to the general guidance or direction provided. Additionally, while orientación is a formal way to express guidance, the word consejo can also be used to convey the sense of advice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun orientación is feminine and is used with the feminine article la. The related verb form is orientar, which means to guide or to orient.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾjentaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- While orientación is general guidance, a Spanish speaker might use apadrinamiento if the guidance comes from a mentor. This literally means 'godparenting' and describes a professional relationship where a senior guides a junior.
- The word orientación shares the same root as 'orient', referring to the east where the sun rises. In a historical sense, providing 'guidance' meant helping someone find the east to determine their direction.
- While orientación refers to guidance, the word consejo for 'advice' also means 'council' in the sense of a governing body or a formal assembly.
Examples in context
- El plan de inmunización consta de cuatro fases y se basa en pruebas científicas, así como en el asesoramiento y la orientación de expertos y el comité de liderazgo en salud pública.The four-phase immunization plan is based on scientific evidence, as well as expert advice and guidance from the public health leadership committee.This sentence shows how orientación is used alongside expert advice in a professional health context.Tatoeba #9729176 by Objectivesea, translation #9729170 by Objectivesea
- El asesoramiento que recibí del experto fue de gran ayuda para mi negocio.The advice I received from the expert was of great help to my business.
- Necesito tu orientación para este proyecto.I need your guidance for this project.
- Buscamos la orientación de un profesional.We are looking for the guidance of a professional.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a new career path in a cafe.
- María¿Podrías darme algo de orientación laboral?Could you give me some career guidance?
- MateoClaro, María, te ayudaré con gusto.Of course, María, I will gladly help you.
- MaríaMuchas gracias por tu tiempo.Thank you very much for your time.
- MateoNo hay de qué, es un placer.You are welcome, it is a pleasure.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry orientación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
