ética laboral
/etika laboɾal/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase 'work ethic' is translated into Spanish as ética laboral.
This phrase refers to a person's tendency to work hard at their job or duties.
Meaning: tendency to work hard at one's job or duties (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term ética laboral is composed of ética, meaning 'ethic' and the adjective laboral, meaning 'relating to work or labor'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because ética is a feminine noun, the definite article used to say 'the work ethic' is la rather than el.
Did you know?
- The root of ética, the Greek word ἦθος (êthos), originally referred to a person's 'dwelling place' or 'customary abode', later evolving to mean 'character'.
- While ética laboral describes a person's drive, the word ética is more frequently used in Spanish to refer to a professional code of conduct or a set of regulatory standards for a specific career.
- In Spanish, the word laboral is strictly used for things relating to employment, while the word laborioso is used to describe a person who is hardworking or industrious.
Examples in context
- Juan tiene una ética laboral ejemplar.Juan has an exemplary work ethic.
- La ética de trabajo de María es admirable.Maria's work ethic is admirable.
- Mi amigo tiene un gran espíritu trabajador.My friend has a great work ethic.
- Carlos demuestra una gran entrega al trabajo.Carlos shows great work ethic.
- Sergio tiene una disciplina laboral envidiable.Sergio has an enviable work ethic.
- Su ética laboral es admirable.His/her work ethic is admirable.
- Su ética laboral es impresionante.His work ethic is impressive.
- Necesitamos mejorar la ética laboral en la oficina.We need to improve the work ethic in the office.
- Ella tiene una ética laboral muy fuerte.She has a very strong work ethic.
Example conversation
A manager and an employee are discussing a new hire during a coffee break.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿qué piensas del nuevo empleado?Daniel, what do you think of the new employee?
- DanielTiene una excelente ética laboral, Lucía.He has an excellent work ethic, Lucía.
- LucíaEso es muy importante para nosotros.That is very important for us.
- DanielSí, siempre termina sus tareas a tiempo.Yes, he always finishes his tasks on time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “work ethic” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ética, CC BY-SA 4.0.
