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

📅 Published: January 11, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

jornada

noun • /[hor-NA-da]/

workday

Example:

La jornada empieza a las ocho.

The workday starts at eight.

🧠 What does jornada mean?

Jornada refers to the duration of a typical workday, or the set period of time allocated for work in a day. It encompasses the hours spent performing professional duties and can also extend to describe a specific event or period of activity, such as a conference or a sporting event, by referring to the duration of that event.

📚 Extra examples

  • La jornada laboral en España suele ser de ocho horas.
    The workday in Spain is usually eight hours long.
  • Hoy tuvimos una jornada muy productiva en la oficina.
    Today we had a very productive workday in the office.
  • La jornada de puertas abiertas atrajo a muchos visitantes.
    The open house event attracted many visitors.
  • El equipo está preparándose para la jornada de mañana.
    The team is preparing for tomorrow's match.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'jornada' has Latin roots, originating from the Latin word 'diurnata', which is related to 'diurnus' meaning 'daily'. This connection highlights its fundamental association with a period of time within a day.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "jornada"

Synonyms: día de trabajo, turno, período, sesión, tiempo
Opposites: descanso, vacaciones, fin de semana

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'workday' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'workday' in Spanish is 'jornada laboral'.
How do you pronounce 'jornada' in Spanish?
Jornada is pronounced 'hor-NA-dah'. The 'j' sounds like the 'h' in 'hat', and the 'n' is similar to the English 'n'.
How do you use 'jornada' in a sentence?
You can use 'jornada' to refer to the length of a workday, like 'Mi jornada es larga' (My workday is long), or to a specific event, such as 'la jornada electoral' (election day).
What is the English translation of 'jornada'?
The primary English translation of 'jornada' is 'workday'. However, depending on the context, it can also mean 'day', 'period', or 'session'.
Does 'jornada' change for gender or number?
'Jornada' is a feminine noun. It does not change for gender. The plural form is 'jornadas'.
Is 'jornada' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'jornada' is a common word in everyday Spanish, particularly when discussing work schedules or specific events that last for a day.
Does 'jornada' have slang or double meanings?
While 'jornada' primarily refers to a period of time for work or an event, in some contexts, it can be used more broadly to describe any significant period or duration, without a specific slang meaning.
Is 'jornada' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'jornada' as 'workday' or 'period of time' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in the specific length of the 'jornada laboral' or in colloquial uses, but the fundamental definition remains the same.

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