ascenso
/asˈθenso/
In Spanish, the English word promotion is translated as ascenso or promoción.
Meaning: advancement in position (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ascenso | /asˈθenso/ /aˈsenso/ |
|
| promoción | /pɾomoˈθjon/ /pɾomoˈsjon/ |
feminine |
Both terms are used in formal contexts to describe moving up in a professional hierarchy. To specifically emphasize the work-related aspect of a promotion, you can use the phrase ascenso laboral (job promotion).
Which one should you use?
Use ascenso specifically for a promotion in job rank or status. While promoción can occasionally refer to advancement, it is the standard term used for marketing, sales or advertising promotions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ascenso is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles such as el or un. Promoción is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/asˈθenso/
Did you know?
- While ascenso means a professional promotion, it is also the standard word for an 'elevator' or 'lift' in Spain.
- In Spanish, promoción describes a 'graduating class' or a group of people who started a program together, such as la promoción de 2020.
- The word ascenso shares its roots with the Latin 'ascēnsus', which describes the physical act of climbing or rising upward.
Examples in context
- Tom merece un ascenso.Tom deserves a promotion.This sentence uses ascenso to show someone deserves a promotion.Tatoeba #1439712 by marcelostockle, translation #1026500 by CK
- La empresa le premió con un ascenso.The company rewarded him with promotion.This sentence uses ascenso to show a company rewarding someone with a promotion.Tatoeba #1271293 by Silvestre, translation #22379 by CK
- Es genial que consiguieras el ascenso.It's great that you got the promotion.This sentence uses ascenso to congratulate someone on getting a promotion.Tatoeba #1278668 by Shishir, translation #268130 by Eldad
- María recibió un ascenso por su excelente desempeño.Maria received a promotion for her outstanding performance.
- Me alegra anunciarles su merecida promoción a gerente regional.I am pleased to announce your well-deserved promotion to regional manager.
- Estoy muy satisfecho con tu ascenso laboral y tus logros en la empresa.I am very pleased with your job promotion and your accomplishments in the company.
- Después de tantos años trabajando en el hospital, finalmente ganó los galones de jefe de cirugía.After so many years working at the hospital, he finally earned the stripes of head surgeon.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are chatting in the office kitchen.
- Lucía¡Felicidades por tu ascenso, Javier!Congratulations on your promotion, Javier!
- JavierMuchas gracias, Lucía. Estoy muy feliz.Thank you very much, Lucía. I am very happy.
- Lucía¿Cuándo empiezas en el nuevo puesto?When do you start in the new position?
- JavierEmpiezo el próximo lunes.I start next Monday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “promotion” translations and entries ascenso, promoción, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ascenso, promoción, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
