Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| a tiempo parcial | /a ˌtjempo paɾˈθjal/ /a ˌtjempo paɾˈsjal/ |
| de jornada parcial | /de xoɾnada paɾθjal/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /de xoɾnada paɾsjal/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
This phrase is used to describe work or positions that involve less than the normal amount of time. For example, to describe the act of working part-time, you would say trabajar a tiempo parcial.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a tiempo parcial is a literal translation of "at partial time".
Which one should you use?
While a tiempo parcial is a common way to express the concept, de jornada parcial is often used when specifically referring to the nature of a workday or employment status. The antonym of these terms is a tiempo completo, which means "full-time".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
De jornada parcial is a formal or administrative term frequently found in legal documents or official employment contracts. For a formal way to express the concept in a sentence, you might use the phrase trabajo a tiempo parcial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on where you are, different expressions are preferred. In Latin American countries, medio tiempo is a common expression and de medio tiempo is also used, though the latter is less common in Spain. In some Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain, the expression a media jornada is used to refer to a part-time position.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing the mode of work or how someone is working, you typically use the preposition a before the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ˌtjempo paɾˈθjal/
Did you know?
- Both the Spanish word tiempo and the English word 'temperature' share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stretch' or 'to string'.
- The word jornada used in the phrase de jornada parcial originally comes from the Old Occitan word for a day's journey or a day's work.
Examples in context
- El puesto está disponible para trabajo a medio tiempo.The position is available for part-time work.
- Estoy buscando trabajo a tiempo parcial mientras estudio.I am looking for part-time work while I study.
- ¿Tienes algún trabajo de medio tiempo?Do you have any part-time job?
- Mi hermana trabaja a media jornada en una tienda.My sister works part-time at a store.
- Busco un trabajo a tiempo parcial.I am looking for a part-time job.
- Ella tiene un contrato a tiempo parcial.She has a part-time contract.
- Mi hermano trabaja a tiempo parcial en la cafetería.My brother works part-time at the coffee shop.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing their work schedules at a cafe.
- María¿Tienes un trabajo a tiempo parcial actualmente?Do you currently have a part-time job?
- JavierSí, tengo un empleo a tiempo parcial muy bueno.Yes, I have a very good part-time job.
- MaríaQué suerte tienes, Javier.How lucky you are, Javier.
- JavierGracias, María, me permite estudiar mucho.Thanks, María, it allows me to study a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “part-time” translations and entries a tiempo parcial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, a tiempo parcial, de, jornada, parcial, tiempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
