Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tarea | /taˈɾea/ | feminine |
| faena | /faˈena/ | feminine |
| tonga | /ˈtonɡa/ | feminine |
| tanda | /ˈtanda/ | feminine |
The term tarea is the most versatile and common word for a task and can be used in both professional and academic contexts. It refers to a piece of work done as part of one's duties. Additionally, tarea is the standard word used for school homework.
Which one should you use?
While tarea is the common, neutral term, other words are used for specific nuances. Labor is used to emphasize a more labor-intensive or challenging task. Cometido serves as a formal alternative, especially when referring to a specific duty or assignment. In certain contexts, tanda and tonga also appear as feminine nouns for a task.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, specifically in Andalusia and some rural areas, faena is used to describe work tasks or agricultural chores. As mentioned, chamba is popular slang in regions like Mexico or Peru.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Tarea is a feminine noun. Its plural form is las tareas, which remains feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/taˈɾea/
Did you know?
- The word tarea comes from the Arabic word ṭarīḥa, which means 'endeavor'.
- While tarea is used for homework in most of the Americas, students in Spain are more likely to use the word deberes.
- Depending on the context, the word tanda can refer to a task performed in a specific turn or a rotating group of workers.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuál es mi tarea?What is my task?This sentence is useful for asking what your task is using tarea.Tatoeba #3978778 by NooryLan, translation #3977725 by felvideki
- Esa tarea es difícil.This task is difficult.This sentence is useful for describing a task as difficult using tarea.Tatoeba #1139935 by Shishir, translation #4456662 by jberkel
- Le asignaron una tarea.He was assigned a task.This sentence is useful for stating that a task was assigned using tarea.Tatoeba #722457 by Shishir, translation #299760 by CS
- Por favor, complete la tarea antes de la próxima clase.Please complete the task before the next class.
- Su cometido consiste en analizar los informes y presentar las conclusiones.Your task is to analyze the reports and present the findings.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the office, María and Alejandro are discussing their workload.
- María¿Ya terminaste tu tarea de hoy?Have you finished your task for today?
- AlejandroNo, todavía me queda una tarea.No, I still have one task left.
- MaríaSi quieres, te ayudo con ella.If you want, I will help you with it.
- AlejandroGracias, María, eres muy amable.Thanks, María, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “task” translations and entries tarea, faena, tonga, tanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faena, tanda, tarea, tonga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
