¡Hola! Talking about work and professions is a common topic in conversations around the world. In this chapter, we'll explore vocabulary related to different jobs, workplaces, and skills. We'll also practice using tenses like the future and conditional to discuss career aspirations and hypothetical work scenarios.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
When you meet someone new, one of the first questions often asked is about their work. Being able to understand and respond to such questions is key for social interaction.
(Optional Review): How do you say "I am a student" (Soy estudiante.)? Remember that "ser" is used for professions. How would you say "I will work" (future of trabajar)? (Trabajaré.) "I would like to be..." (conditional of ser with gustar)? (Me gustaría ser...)
Note: Many professions ending in -o for masculine change to -a for feminine (e.g., médico/médica). Some ending in -e or -ista are the same for both genders (e.g., el/la dentista, el/la estudiante).
Use the verb "ser" to state someone's profession. Unlike English, you do not use an indefinite article (un/una) before the profession unless it's modified by an adjective.
This reflexive verb is a common way to ask or state what someone does professionally.
Use the future tense or "querer ser..." / "me gustaría ser..."
Master vocabulary for jobs, workplaces, and related expressions.
Import Chapter 48 Flashcards(Requires login to import/study)
Instructions: Match the profession with a typical workplace.
1. Médico/a ( ) la escuela
2. Profesor(a) ( ) la oficina
3. Cocinero/a ( ) el hospital
4. Secretario/a ( ) la tienda
5. Vendedor(a) ( ) el restauranteAnswer Key:
1. Médico/a → el hospital
2. Profesor(a) → la escuela
3. Cocinero/a → el restaurante
4. Secretario/a → la oficina
5. Vendedor(a) → la tiendaInstructions: Write what these people are, using "ser." Remember gender agreement if applicable.
Answer Key:
Instructions: Write two sentences about what profession you would like to have or what you want to be in the future, using "Me gustaría ser..." or "Quiero ser..." or the future tense.
(Answers will vary.)
Instructions: In pairs, take turns asking each other "¿A qué te dedicas?" or "¿En qué trabajas?" (What do you work in?). If you are a student, say "Soy estudiante." If you work, state your job. If you're imagining, pick a profession!
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, one's profession (profesión) or trade (oficio) can be an important aspect of personal identity and a common topic of conversation when getting to know someone. Asking "¿A qué te dedicas?" (What do you do for a living?) is a frequent and generally acceptable way to learn more about a new acquaintance.
The concept of "trabajo" (work) is often viewed not just as a means to an end, but also in terms of personal fulfillment, contribution to society, or family pride. Discussing career aspirations (aspiraciones profesionales) or the type of work one does can be a way to share values and experiences. Furthermore, titles associated with certain professions (like Doctor/a, Licenciado/a, Ingeniero/a) may be used more formally in address in some contexts compared to others, reflecting respect for educational attainment and professional standing.
As mentioned, when you state someone's profession using "ser," you generally do not use the indefinite article (un/una) unless the profession is modified by an adjective.
Many professions have masculine and feminine forms (e.g., médico/médica, ingeniero/ingeniera). Some ending in -e or -ista are the same for both genders and only the article changes (el/la dentista, el/la estudiante). Pay attention to these endings.
Both "trabajar de [profesión]" and "trabajar como [profesión]" can mean "to work as [profession]." "Como" is very common and perhaps slightly more versatile.
Professions (e.g., profesor, médico, ingeniero, artista, cocinero), Workplaces (e.g., oficina, escuela, hospital, restaurante, fábrica).
Ser + [profesión] (no article), trabajar como/en, dedicarse a, querer ser / me gustaría ser / seré for aspirations.
¡Buen trabajo! You can now discuss jobs and professions. In the next chapter, we'll focus on the "Imperfect Subjunctive," an advanced past subjunctive form used in hypothetical situations and polite requests related to the past. This will further enhance your ability to express complex ideas. ¡Adelante!