carrera
carrera في 30 ثانية
- Used to describe a physical race, like a marathon, sprint, or car race, where speed is the primary factor.
- Refers to a university degree program or major, which is the academic path you study to get a job.
- Describes a person's professional career path, including all their jobs, promotions, and work experience over time.
- Appears in the idiom 'a la carrera', meaning to do something very hastily, in a rush, or without taking proper time.
El domingo participaré en una carrera de diez kilómetros para recaudar fondos para el hospital local.
- Academic Context
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'carrera' refers specifically to a university degree program, such as 'la carrera de medicina' (the medical degree).
Terminar la carrera de derecho requiere muchos años de dedicación y estudio constante.
- Professional Context
- When discussing job history, 'carrera' encompasses all the roles, promotions, and experiences a person has accumulated over time.
Su carrera como actor despegó después de protagonizar esa famosa película independiente.
Tuve que vestirme a la carrera porque me quedé dormido y el autobús estaba a punto de pasar.
- Transportation Context
- A taxi driver might ask you for the payment of the 'carrera' once you reach your destination.
La carrera desde el aeropuerto hasta el centro de la ciudad me costó treinta euros.
El atleta entrenó durante meses para correr la carrera de maratón más difícil del mundo.
- Sports Verbs
- Use 'organizar una carrera' for hosting an event, and 'abandonar la carrera' for dropping out of a race.
Mi hermana decidió estudiar la carrera de arquitectura porque le encanta diseñar edificios sostenibles.
- Academic Milestones
- Expressions like 'empezar la carrera' (start the degree) and 'dejar la carrera' (drop out of the degree) are extremely common among university students.
Después de cinco años de esfuerzo, por fin logró terminar su carrera universitaria con honores.
Ella espera hacer carrera en esa empresa multinacional y llegar a ser la directora general algún día.
- Professional Adjectives
- Common adjectives include 'carrera exitosa' (successful career), 'carrera prometedora' (promising career), and 'carrera profesional' (professional career).
El taxista me cobró una carrera muy cara porque había mucho tráfico en el centro.
Bienvenidos a la transmisión en vivo de la carrera de Fórmula 1 en el circuito de Mónaco.
- Sports Media
- In sports news, you will frequently read headlines about 'la carrera por el campeonato' (the race for the championship), which can be both literal and metaphorical.
En la cafetería de la universidad, los estudiantes de primer año hablaban sobre lo difícil que es su carrera.
- Academic Advising
- Guidance counselors and academic advisors frequently use the term 'orientación de carrera' to help students choose their university path.
Durante la entrevista de trabajo, me preguntaron cuáles eran mis objetivos para mi carrera a largo plazo.
Vivimos en una sociedad donde todo el mundo parece estar haciendo las cosas a la carrera, sin tiempo para relajarse.
- Everyday Stress
- The phrase 'ir a la carrera' perfectly captures the modern feeling of always rushing from one obligation to the next.
El taxista me dijo que no podía hacer esa carrera porque su turno estaba a punto de terminar.
Incorrecto: Estudio el mayor de biología. Correcto: Estudio la carrera de biología.
- False Friend Alert
- Do not use 'mayor' to mean a university major. 'Mayor' means bigger or older. Always use 'carrera' or 'especialidad'.
Mi carrera es la medicina, pero mi trabajo actual es en un hospital público.
- Vocabulary Nuance
- 'Carrera' emphasizes the journey and the academic background, whereas 'empleo' or 'trabajo' emphasizes the daily labor and compensation.
Ayer vi una carrera de caballos muy emocionante en la televisión.
- Idiomatic Usage
- Using 'a la carrera' instead of 'rápidamente' or 'con prisa' instantly elevates your Spanish and makes you sound more like a native speaker.
No me gusta hacer mis proyectos a la carrera porque siempre cometo errores tontos.
¿Cuánto cuesta la carrera hasta la estación de trenes?
Después de terminar su carrera, decidió estudiar una maestría en el extranjero.
- Academic Synonyms
- 'Grado' is increasingly used in Spain due to the Bologna Process, while 'licenciatura' remains very common in Latin America.
El profesor tiene una carrera impresionante, con una trayectoria de más de treinta años en la investigación científica.
- Occupational Terms
- Remember: you study a 'carrera' to practice a 'profesión', but you learn an 'oficio' through apprenticeship or vocational training.
Aunque estudió la carrera de derecho, su verdadera pasión siempre fue el oficio de la carpintería.
La carrera de los cien metros lisos es la competición más esperada de los Juegos Olímpicos.
- Adverbial Alternatives
- While 'rápidamente' is standard, 'a la carrera' paints a much more vivid, physical picture of the rush.
Tuve que salir a la carrera porque llegaba tarde a mi cita con el dentista.
How Formal Is It?
مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Definite and Indefinite Articles (la carrera, una carrera)
Prepositions with Verbs (participar en, estudiar para)
Adverbial Phrases (a la carrera)
Noun-Adjective Agreement (carrera larga, carrera exitosa)
Conditional Tense (Si estudiara una carrera...)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
El perro corre rápido en la carrera.
The dog runs fast in the race.
Uses present tense 'corre' with the noun 'carrera'.
Me gusta la carrera de coches.
I like the car race.
'Carrera de coches' is a common noun phrase.
La carrera es el domingo.
The race is on Sunday.
Uses the verb 'ser' for events.
Yo veo la carrera en la televisión.
I watch the race on television.
Basic subject-verb-object structure.
El niño gana la carrera.
The boy wins the race.
'Ganar' (to win) is frequently paired with 'carrera'.
Es una carrera muy larga.
It is a very long race.
Adjective 'larga' agrees with feminine 'carrera'.
Participo en una carrera de cinco kilómetros.
I participate in a five-kilometer race.
'Participar en' requires the preposition 'en'.
La carrera empieza ahora.
The race starts now.
'Empezar' used in the present tense.
Mi hermano estudia la carrera de medicina.
My brother studies the medical degree.
'Estudiar la carrera de' is the standard way to say 'major in'.
Quiero terminar mi carrera el próximo año.
I want to finish my degree next year.
'Terminar' is used for completing a degree.
La carrera de derecho es muy difícil.
The law degree is very difficult.
Describing a degree program with adjectives.
Ayer corrí una carrera en el parque.
Yesterday I ran a race in the park.
Past tense 'corrí' with 'carrera'.
¿Qué carrera estudias en la universidad?
What degree do you study at the university?
Common question format for asking about majors.
Hice mis deberes a la carrera.
I did my homework in a rush.
Introduction of the idiom 'a la carrera'.
El taxista me cobró diez euros por la carrera.
The taxi driver charged me ten euros for the ride.
'Carrera' meaning taxi fare/ride.
Ella tiene una carrera muy interesante.
She has a very interesting career.
'Carrera' meaning professional path.
Para tener una buena carrera, necesitas trabajar duro.
To have a good career, you need to work hard.
Infinitive phrase expressing purpose.
Si estudiara esa carrera, sería muy feliz.
If I studied that degree, I would be very happy.
Second conditional with imperfect subjunctive.
La carrera profesional de mi padre fue muy exitosa.
My father's professional career was very successful.
Use of 'carrera profesional' to specify the meaning.
Tuvimos que salir a la carrera para no perder el tren.
We had to leave in a rush so as not to miss the train.
'A la carrera' used with verbs of motion.
Me gustaría hacer carrera en esta empresa multinacional.
I would like to build a career in this multinational company.
The idiom 'hacer carrera' means to climb the corporate ladder.
La carrera armamentística fue un período de gran tensión.
The arms race was a period of great tension.
Compound concept 'carrera armamentística'.
Abandonó la carrera porque no le gustaban las asignaturas.
He dropped out of the degree because he didn't like the subjects.
'Abandonar la carrera' means to drop out.
Es una carrera de fondo, no un sprint.
It's a long-distance race, not a sprint.
Metaphorical use of 'carrera de fondo'.
El desarrollo de su carrera se vio truncado por la crisis económica.
The development of his career was cut short by the economic crisis.
Passive voice 'se vio truncado'.
Compaginar la carrera universitaria con un trabajo a tiempo completo es un reto.
Balancing a university degree with a full-time job is a challenge.
Infinitive as a subject 'Compaginar'.
La carrera espacial entre las superpotencias definió la Guerra Fría.
The space race between the superpowers defined the Cold War.
Historical terminology 'carrera espacial'.
Después de una dilatada carrera, el director anunció su jubilación.
After a lengthy career, the director announced his retirement.
Advanced adjective 'dilatada' (lengthy/extensive).
No te tomes la vida como una carrera, disfruta del proceso.
Don't treat life like a race, enjoy the process.
Negative imperative 'No te tomes'.
El plan de carrera que ofrece la empresa es muy atractivo para los jóvenes talentos.
The career plan offered by the company is very attractive to young talents.
Corporate jargon 'plan de carrera'.
Se graduó como el número uno de su promoción al finalizar la carrera.
He graduated as number one in his class upon finishing the degree.
'Al + infinitive' structure for time.
La carrera por encontrar una vacuna fue un esfuerzo global sin precedentes.
The race to find a vaccine was an unprecedented global effort.
Metaphorical race for a scientific goal.
Su meteórica carrera política lo llevó a la presidencia en tiempo récord.
His meteoric political career took him to the presidency in record time.
Collocation 'meteórica carrera'.
Muchos jóvenes se sienten atrapados en la carrera de la rata del mundo corporativo.
Many young people feel trapped in the rat race of the corporate world.
Idiom 'carrera de la rata' (rat race).
La andadura profesional de la escritora es una verdadera carrera de obstáculos.
The writer's professional journey is a true obstacle course.
Metaphor 'carrera de obstáculos'.
Apostó toda su carrera a un solo proyecto que finalmente fracasó.
He bet his entire career on a single project that ultimately failed.
Verb 'apostar' used metaphorically with career.
La universidad ha reestructurado el plan de estudios de varias carreras de ciencias.
The university has restructured the curriculum of several science degrees.
Academic administrative terminology.
Estar en la carrera por el Óscar es ya un premio en sí mismo.
Being in the running for the Oscar is already a prize in itself.
Idiom 'estar en la carrera' (to be in the running).
El ciclista culminó su carrera deportiva con una victoria épica en el Tour.
The cyclist culminated his sporting career with an epic victory in the Tour.
Formal verb 'culminar'.
Redactó el informe a la carrera, lo que explica la plétora de errores tipográficos.
He drafted the report in a rush, which explains the plethora of typographical errors.
Advanced vocabulary 'plétora' combined with idiom.
La noción de carrera académica se ha desvirtuado frente a las exigencias del mercado laboral.
The notion of an academic career has been distorted in the face of labor market demands.
Complex passive/reflexive 'se ha desvirtuado'.
En el ocaso de su carrera, el maestro decidió legar sus conocimientos a una nueva generación.
In the twilight of his career, the master decided to bequeath his knowledge to a new generation.
Literary phrase 'en el ocaso de su carrera'.
La vertiginosa carrera tecnológica plantea dilemas éticos ineludibles para la humanidad.
The dizzying technological race poses inescapable ethical dilemmas for humanity.
High-register adjectives 'vertiginosa', 'ineludibles'.
Desarrolló una carrera paralela como ensayista, alejada de su faceta pública.
He developed a parallel career as an essayist, removed from his public facet.
Concept of 'carrera paralela'.
El concepto de carrera vitalicia en una sola empresa es hoy un anacronismo.
The concept of a lifelong career in a single company is today an anachronism.
Abstract sociological observation.
Corrió la carrera de su vida, pulverizando el récord mundial por escasas centésimas.
He ran the race of his life, pulverizing the world record by mere hundredths.
Vivid sports journalism vocabulary 'pulverizando'.
La carrera de armamentos nucleares pende como una espada de Damocles sobre la geopolítica actual.
The nuclear arms race hangs like a sword of Damocles over current geopolitics.
Classical metaphor 'espada de Damocles'.
Su currículum refleja una carrera jalonada de éxitos rotundos y fracasos estrepitosos.
His resume reflects a career marked by resounding successes and spectacular failures.
Advanced participle 'jalonada' (marked/punctuated).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
The versatility of 'carrera' makes it a high-frequency word. Pay special attention to false friends: 'carrera' is not 'raza' (biological race), and 'mayor' is not 'carrera' (university major).
- Translating 'race' (competition) as 'raza' instead of 'carrera'.
- Translating 'university major' as 'mayor' instead of 'carrera'.
- Using 'tomar una carrera' (take a major) instead of 'estudiar una carrera'.
- Confusing 'carrera' (the degree/path) with 'trabajo' (the specific job).
- Saying 'en una prisa' instead of the natural idiom 'a la carrera'.
نصائح
Verb Collocations
Always pair 'carrera' with the correct verb based on context. Use 'correr' for sports. Use 'estudiar' for university. Use 'desarrollar' for professional life.
False Friend Warning
Never use 'raza' to talk about a sports race. 'Raza' means biological race. Always use 'carrera' for marathons, cars, and sprints.
A la carrera
Use the phrase 'a la carrera' to describe doing something in a rush. It makes you sound very native. Example: 'Comí a la carrera'.
Roll the RR
The double 'rr' in 'carrera' must be rolled. Practice vibrating your tongue behind your top teeth. It is ca-RRE-ra, with the stress on the middle syllable.
University Pride
In Spanish culture, finishing a 'carrera' is a major life milestone. Congratulate people warmly when they say 'Terminé la carrera'.
Taxi Fares
When traveling in Spain, know that a taxi ride is called a 'carrera'. Ask '¿Cuánto es la carrera?' to ask for the fare.
Carrera vs Profesión
Remember the difference: you study a 'carrera' to work in a 'profesión'. The 'carrera' is the path, the 'profesión' is the destination.
Carrera de fondo
Use 'carrera de fondo' metaphorically for long-term goals. Tell your friends: 'Aprender español es una carrera de fondo, no un sprint'.
Feminine Noun
'Carrera' is feminine. Always use feminine articles and adjectives: 'la carrera', 'una carrera larga', 'una carrera exitosa'.
Don't use 'Mayor'
Never say 'mi mayor es...' to mean 'my major is...'. This is a direct translation error from English. Say 'mi carrera es...'.
احفظها
أصل الكلمة
Latin
السياق الثقافي
In Spain, 'carrera' is heavily used for university degrees, though 'grado' is replacing it officially due to European standardization. It also means a taxi fare.
'Carrera' is universally understood as a race across all Spanish-speaking regions, from Formula 1 to local marathons.
In many Latin American countries, 'carrera' remains the absolute standard word for a university major or degree program.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"¿Qué carrera estudiaste en la universidad?"
"¿Alguna vez has participado en una carrera de maratón?"
"¿Cuáles son tus metas para tu carrera profesional?"
"¿Por qué siempre andas a la carrera?"
"¿Crees que es necesario tener una carrera para tener éxito?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Describe la carrera profesional de tus sueños.
Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste que hacer algo a la carrera.
¿Qué carrera universitaria elegirías si pudieras empezar de nuevo?
Narra la carrera deportiva más emocionante que has visto.
¿Qué opinas de la 'carrera de la rata' en la sociedad moderna?
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, absolutely not. In Spanish, a biological or human race is called 'raza'. 'Carrera' only refers to a competition of speed, like a marathon or a car race. Confusing these two is a very common and sometimes awkward mistake for English speakers. Always use 'raza' for biology and 'carrera' for sports. Remember: you run a 'carrera', you belong to a 'raza'.
The most common and natural way to say 'university major' or 'degree' is 'carrera'. For example, 'my major is biology' translates to 'mi carrera es biología' or 'estudio la carrera de biología'. Do not use the English false friend 'mayor', which means 'older' or 'bigger' in Spanish. In some regions, 'licenciatura' or 'grado' are also used, but 'carrera' is universally understood.
'Carrera' translates to 'career' in the sense of a long-term professional path, but it does not mean a specific daily job or task. For a specific job, use 'trabajo' or 'empleo'. For example, your 'carrera' might be in marketing, but your 'trabajo' is being a social media manager at a specific company. It encompasses your entire professional history and future.
'A la carrera' is a very common idiomatic expression that means 'in a rush', 'hastily', or 'on the run'. If you do your homework 'a la carrera', you did it quickly and probably not very well because you were out of time. It paints a picture of someone literally running while trying to do something. It functions as an adverbial phrase.
In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and Colombia, a 'carrera' refers to a single taxi trip or the fare charged for that trip. It stems from the idea of the taxi making a 'run' or a 'course' from point A to point B. You might hear a driver say 'Esa carrera cuesta diez euros' (That ride costs ten euros).
Both are correct and widely used, but they have slightly different nuances. 'Estudiar una carrera' focuses on the academic act of studying the subjects. 'Hacer una carrera' is also used for studying a degree, but in a professional context, 'hacer carrera' (without the article 'una') means to climb the corporate ladder or build a successful professional path within a company.
Literally, a 'carrera de fondo' is a long-distance race, like a marathon, as opposed to a sprint (carrera de velocidad). Metaphorically, it is a very common idiom used to describe any long, arduous process that requires endurance and patience rather than quick bursts of effort. Learning a new language, for example, is often described as a 'carrera de fondo'.
The double 'rr' in Spanish is a rolled or trilled sound. You need to place the tip of your tongue against the alveolar ridge (just behind your upper front teeth) and exhale forcefully to make the tongue vibrate. The word is pronounced ca-RRE-ra. If you cannot roll your R's yet, a strong single R is usually understood, but practicing the trill is highly recommended.
You study a 'carrera' (a degree) at a university in order to practice a 'profesión' (a profession) in the real world. The 'carrera' is the academic preparation and the path, while the 'profesión' is the title and the actual execution of the work. For example, medicine is the 'carrera', and being a doctor is the 'profesión'.
No, 'carrera' is almost exclusively reserved for higher education, specifically university degrees. In high school (instituto/preparatoria), students take 'asignaturas' (subjects) or follow a specific 'bachillerato' (track/program). You only begin your 'carrera' once you enter a university or a higher-level vocational institute.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
/ 180 correct
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Summary
The word 'carrera' is a path. It can be a physical path you run (a race), an academic path you study (a degree), or a professional path you build (a career). Always look at the verb (correr vs. estudiar) to know which meaning is intended.
- Used to describe a physical race, like a marathon, sprint, or car race, where speed is the primary factor.
- Refers to a university degree program or major, which is the academic path you study to get a job.
- Describes a person's professional career path, including all their jobs, promotions, and work experience over time.
- Appears in the idiom 'a la carrera', meaning to do something very hastily, in a rush, or without taking proper time.
Verb Collocations
Always pair 'carrera' with the correct verb based on context. Use 'correr' for sports. Use 'estudiar' for university. Use 'desarrollar' for professional life.
False Friend Warning
Never use 'raza' to talk about a sports race. 'Raza' means biological race. Always use 'carrera' for marathons, cars, and sprints.
A la carrera
Use the phrase 'a la carrera' to describe doing something in a rush. It makes you sound very native. Example: 'Comí a la carrera'.
Roll the RR
The double 'rr' in 'carrera' must be rolled. Practice vibrating your tongue behind your top teeth. It is ca-RRE-ra, with the stress on the middle syllable.
مثال
Mi hermana está estudiando una carrera de medicina.
محتوى ذو صلة
عبارات ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات sports
aficionado
A2A fan or enthusiast of a sport, art, or hobby.
atleta
B1athlete
atrapar
A2حاول الطفل إمساك الفراشة في الحديقة.
balón
A2جسم كروي أو بيضاوي الشكل، عادة ما يكون منفوخًا، يستخدم في مختلف الألعاب والرياضات. يشير مصطلح 'balón' بشكل أساسي إلى المعدات المستخدمة في رياضات مثل كرة القدم وكرة السلة والكرة الطائرة، وهو أكبر بشكل عام من 'pelota'.
baloncesto
A1كرة السلة هي رياضة جماعية يحاول فيها اللاعبون إدخال الكرة في السلة.
cabalgar
A2ركوب الخيل عبر الحقول الواسعة.
cancha
A2ملعب رياضي (تنس، كرة سلة). اللاعبون في الملعب الآن.
caza
A2الصيد هو نشاط ملاحقة الحيوانات البرية وقتلها.
competición
A2An event in which people or teams compete against each other.
competir
A2To compete, to strive against others for a prize or honor.