Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| desempleo | /desemˈpleo/ | masculine |
| paro | /ˈpaɾo/ | Spain, masculine |
Both desempleo and paro are used to refer to the state of joblessness.
What does it mean word for word?
The word desempleo is composed of the prefix des- (meaning un- or de-) and empleo (meaning employment).
Which one should you use?
Desempleo is a neutral term used across the Spanish-speaking world. In contrast, paro is specifically used in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, paro is the standard term for unemployment. It is also common in Spain to hear the expression estar en el paro to refer to being unemployed. In certain regions, the phrase en busca de trabajo (in search of work) is used to convey the state of being unemployed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun desempleo is masculine and is used with the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/desemˈpleo/
When do people say it?
In Spain, the idiomatic way to say that someone is unemployed is to say they are en el paro.
Did you know?
- In Spain, the phrase cobrar el paro literally means 'to collect the stop', but it is the standard way to say someone is receiving unemployment checks.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word paro can also mean a 'strike' or a 'blockade', which is quite different from the concept of joblessness.
- The Spanish word for unemployment in Spain, paro, comes from the verb parar, which means 'to stop' or 'to halt'.
Examples in context
- Ha subido el paro.Unemployment has risen.This sentence shows how to use paro to describe rising unemployment.Tatoeba #6669435 by arh, translation #8740976 by Solana
- El desempleo está alto.Unemployment is high.This sentence shows how to use desempleo to describe high unemployment.Tatoeba #1522747 by marcelostockle, translation #1522253 by Spamster
- El desempleo está aumentando.Unemployment is rising.This sentence shows how to use desempleo to describe unemployment that is increasing.Tatoeba #2046311 by marcelostockle, translation #1425369 by Spamster
- El gobierno está aplicando medidas para reducir el desempleo en el país.The government is implementing measures to reduce unemployment in the country.
- No puedo conseguir trabajo, estoy en el paro.I can't find a job, I'm unemployed.
- María está pasando por un momento difícil, se encuentra sin trabajo.María is going through a tough time, she's unemployed.
- Estoy en el paro / Estoy en el seguro.I'm unemployed.
- Estoy en busca de trabajo desde que terminé mis estudios.I've been looking for work since I finished my studies.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing current economic news at a cafe.
- SofíaEl desempleo es un problema grave ahora.Unemployment is a serious problem now.
- AlejandroSí, afecta a muchos jóvenes en el país.Yes, it affects many young people in the country.
- SofíaEspero que la situación mejore pronto.I hope the situation improves soon.
- AlejandroOjalá que las empresas contraten más gente.I hope companies hire more people.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unemployment” translations and entries desempleo, paro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desempleo, paro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
