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empleado means employee — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 7, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

empleado

noun • /[em-ple-A-do]/

employee

Example:

El empleado trabaja en la oficina.

The employee works in the office.

🧠 What does empleado mean?

The word 'empleado' refers to a person who works for another person or a company in exchange for payment, typically a salary or wage. It signifies an individual in a subordinate position within an employment relationship, performing tasks or duties as directed by an employer. This term is fundamental in discussions related to the workforce, human resources, and the professional sphere within a business context. It can also be used as an adjective meaning 'employed' or 'busy'.

📚 Extra examples

  • La empresa busca un nuevo empleado para el departamento de marketing.
    The company is looking for a new employee for the marketing department.
  • Todos los empleados recibieron un bono de fin de año.
    All employees received an end-of-year bonus.
  • El cajero es un empleado del supermercado.
    The cashier is an employee of the supermarket.
  • Debido a la alta demanda, el personal está muy empleado.
    Due to the high demand, the staff is very employed.

💡 Did You Know?

The root of 'empleado' comes from the verb 'emplear,' which means 'to employ' or 'to use.' This connection highlights the idea of a person being utilized or put to work by an employer.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "empleado"

Synonyms: trabajador, obrero, asalariado
Opposites: empleador, patrón, jefe

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'employee' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'employee' is 'empleado'.
How do you pronounce 'empleado' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'empleado' is approximately em-pleh-AH-doh. The 'e' at the beginning is like the 'e' in 'bet,' the 'pl' is straightforward, the 'e' in the second syllable is like the 'e' in 'bed,' the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father,' and the 'do' is like the 'do' in 'dough.' The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable: em-ple-A-do.
How do you use 'empleado' in a sentence?
To use 'empleado' in a sentence, you can refer to a person who works for someone else. For example: 'El nuevo empleado es muy eficiente' (The new employee is very efficient). It can also be used as an adjective: 'Todos están empleados en la fábrica' (Everyone is employed at the factory).
What is the English translation of 'empleado'?
The primary English translation of 'empleado' is 'employee.' As an adjective, it can translate to 'employed' or 'busy.'
Does 'empleado' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'empleado' changes for gender and number. The masculine singular is 'empleado' (employee), the feminine singular is 'empleada' (employee), the masculine plural is 'empleados' (employees), and the feminine plural is 'empleadas' (employees). As an adjective, it also agrees: 'El empleado nuevo' (The new employee), 'La empleada nueva' (The new employee), 'Los empleados nuevos' (The new employees), 'Las empleadas nuevas' (The new employees).
Is 'empleado' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'empleado' is a very common word used in everyday Spanish, particularly when discussing work, jobs, and the professional environment.
Does 'empleado' have slang or double meanings?
While 'empleado' primarily means 'employee,' the adjective form can colloquially imply being 'busy' or 'occupied.' However, it does not typically carry strong slang or offensive double meanings in standard usage.
Is 'empleado' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'empleado' as 'employee' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Variations in related terms or specific business jargon might exist, but 'empleado' itself is universally understood in this context.

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