Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “retired” in Spanish! Whether you are learning the language for personal or professional reasons, knowing how to express ideas related to retirement is essential. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to convey the concept of retirement in Spanish. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of this important term.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Retired” in Spanish
When speaking formally, such as in professional or academic settings, it’s crucial to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to express “retired” in Spanish:
a) Jubilado/a
One common way to say “retired” in Spanish is by using the term “jubilado” for men and “jubilada” for women. This term is widely understood and accepted across Spanish-speaking countries. Here’s an example:
José es jubilado y disfruta de su tiempo libre viajando.
Translation: José is retired and enjoys his free time traveling.
b) Pensionado/a
Another formal option is to use the word “pensionado” for men and “pensionada” for women. This term emphasizes the aspect of receiving a pension after retirement. For instance:
La señora Marta es pensionada y se dedica a la lectura.
Translation: Mrs. Marta is retired and dedicates her time to reading.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Retired” in Spanish
In casual conversations or when addressing friends and family, you can opt for more informal terms to express the idea of “retired.” Here are a few examples:
a) Jubilado/a
Yes, “jubilado/a” can be used both formally and informally, making it a versatile term. It is commonly used across Spanish-speaking communities, allowing you to comfortably discuss retirement in less formal situations:
Pedro está jubilado, ahora tiene más tiempo para disfrutar con sus nietos.
Translation: Pedro is retired, now he has more time to enjoy his grandchildren.
b) Ya no trabaja
A simple and colloquial way to convey retirement is to say “ya no trabaja,” which means “he/she doesn’t work anymore.” While not a direct translation, it effectively communicates the idea of being retired:
María ya no trabaja, está jubilada.
Translation: María doesn’t work anymore, she is retired.
3. Regional Variations
While the main terms mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there may be some regional variations. It’s important to note that these variations are not drastic and won’t hinder communication. However, here are a few examples of how “retired” may be expressed differently:
a) Argentina and Uruguay
In Argentina and Uruguay, it is common to use the term “jubilado/a” alongside the word “pasivo/a” to refer to someone who is retired:
Marta es jubilada y está pasiva desde el año pasado.
Translation: Marta is retired and has been inactive since last year.
b) Spain
In Spain, the term “jubilado/a” is commonly used, but an additional expression you may encounter is “jubilado/a por ley,” which refers to someone who retired due to legal requirements:
Luis está jubilado por ley desde hace dos años.
Translation: Luis has been retired by law for two years.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “retired” in Spanish is essential for effective communication in both formal and informal contexts. Remember, the formal options include “jubilado/a” and “pensionado/a,” while informal alternatives include “jubilado/a” and “ya no trabaja.” Pay attention to any regional variations, such as “pasivo/a” in Argentina and Uruguay or “jubilado/a por ley” in Spain.
By utilizing these terms and variations correctly, you’ll be able to navigate conversations about retirement gracefully. Now, feel free to practice using these phrases with native Spanish speakers and expand your vocabulary further!
