mi carrera es
/mi kareɾa es/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my major is" is translated into Spanish as mi carrera es.
This phrase is used by a student to identify their primary field of study at a college or university. While mi carrera es is a standard way to state your subject, you will often hear Spanish speakers use the verb estudiar instead, such as in the phrase estudio derecho (I study law). If you want to emphasize your career goals more informally, you can say Me estoy preparando para ser… (I am preparing to be…).
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, mi carrera es translates to "my career is", because the Spanish word carrera is used to denote a degree program or field of study.
How does it change in a sentence?
For example, Mi carrera es Psicología can refer to a female speaker, while Mi carrera es Ingeniería Informática can refer to a male speaker.
How do you pronounce it?
/mi kareɾa es/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes attempt to translate "major" as mi especialidad es (my specialty is). However, when referring to a university degree, carrera is the much more natural and common term to use.
Did you know?
- The word carrera shares a linguistic root with the word 'cart', coming from the Latin carrus.
- In Spanish, the word carrera is used for both the academic degree and the physical act of running a race.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase mi carrera is often viewed as a lifelong identity, whereas 'major' in English is often seen as a temporary academic designation.
Examples in context
- Mi carrera es Ingeniería Civil.My major is Civil Engineering.
- Estoy estudiando Economía.I am studying Economics.
- Estudio una carrera en Administración de Empresas.I am studying a major in Business Administration.
- Mi carrera es la medicina.My major is medicine.
- Mi carrera es la arquitectura.My major is architecture.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time at a university orientation.
- JavierHola, soy Javier. ¿Qué estudias?Hi, I'm Javier. What are you studying?
- MaríaHola, Javier. Mi carrera es la biología.Hi, Javier. My major is biology.
- Javier¡Qué interesante! ¿Te gusta la materia?How interesting! Do you like the subject?
- MaríaSí, me encanta mucho.Yes, I love it a lot.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carrera, es, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
