trabajo social
/tɾabaxo soθjal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "social work" is translated into Spanish as trabajo social.
The term refers to any of several professions concerned with providing social services.
Meaning: any of several professions concerned with providing social services (noun)
Which one should you use?
While trabajo social refers to the profession or field itself, trabajador social refers to the person practicing the profession. Additionally, asistencia social is often used to refer specifically to the social services or aid provided, rather than the academic or professional field of social work.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, servicio social is a formal equivalent of "social work" referring to mandatory or voluntary community service by university students.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾabaxo soθjal/
Did you know?
- The word trabajo shares an ancient-looking connection to the concept of 'three', stemming from the Latin 'tripalis' which related to 'triple' or 'threefold' tasks.
- In some Latin American legal contexts, a trabajador social has specific forensic powers to conduct home visits and provide official reports that can influence court rulings in family law.
Examples in context
- María está estudiando trabajo social en la universidad.María is studying social work at the university.
- Los estudiantes de medicina deben realizar servicio social en comunidades rurales.Medical students must perform social work in rural communities.
- Dedicaré mi tiempo a la labor social durante las vacaciones.I will dedicate my time to social work during the holidays.
- Ella estudia trabajo social en la universidad.She studies social work at the university.
- El trabajo social es fundamental para la comunidad.Social work is fundamental for the community.
- Él tiene un curso sobre el trabajo social.He has a course about social work.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about their career goals.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿qué carrera quieres estudiar?María, what career do you want to study?
- MaríaMe interesa mucho el trabajo social.I am very interested in social work.
- AlejandroEs una profesión muy noble.It is a very noble profession.
- MaríaSí, quiero ayudar a los demás.Yes, I want to help others.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries social, trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
