At the A1 beginner level, the word 'carrera' is primarily introduced in the context of basic sports and physical activities. Beginners learn that 'carrera' means a 'race' where people, animals, or vehicles compete to see who is the fastest. It is a highly visual and easily understandable concept. You will often see it paired with simple verbs like 'correr' (to run) or 'ver' (to see). For example, a beginner might learn to say 'Me gusta ver la carrera de coches' (I like to watch the car race) or 'El niño corre una carrera' (The boy runs a race). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word in simple sentences and associating it with the physical act of racing. Teachers often use images of marathons, Formula 1, or children running to cement this primary definition. The grammar surrounding it is kept simple, usually involving present tense verbs and basic definite or indefinite articles (la carrera, una carrera). While the academic and professional meanings exist, they are usually deferred to slightly higher levels to avoid overwhelming the student with multiple abstract definitions early on. The goal at A1 is simply to build a foundational vocabulary where 'carrera' equals 'race'.
At the A2 elementary level, the understanding of 'carrera' expands significantly to include its crucial second meaning: a university degree program or major. This is a vital addition because A2 learners are beginning to talk about their personal lives, their studies, and their future plans. At this stage, students learn to say phrases like 'Estudio la carrera de medicina' (I study the medical degree) or 'Quiero hacer una carrera en la universidad' (I want to do a degree at the university). This introduces a critical cultural and linguistic distinction: in Spanish, you don't 'take a major', you 'study a career'. A2 learners also practice using 'carrera' with past and future tenses, such as 'Ayer vi una carrera en la televisión' (Yesterday I saw a race on TV) or 'El próximo año empezaré mi carrera' (Next year I will start my degree). The concept of 'carrera' as a professional path is also gently introduced, allowing students to talk about basic jobs and career aspirations. By the end of A2, a student should comfortably navigate both the 'sports race' and the 'university degree' meanings of the word, understanding which one is being used based on context clues like the verbs 'correr' versus 'estudiar'.
At the B1 intermediate level, learners are expected to handle the word 'carrera' with much greater flexibility and nuance. The professional meaning of 'carrera' (career path) becomes prominent. Students learn to discuss professional development using phrases like 'desarrollo de carrera' (career development) or 'una carrera exitosa' (a successful career). They can express opinions and hypothetical situations, such as 'Si estudiara esa carrera, ganaría mucho dinero' (If I studied that degree, I would earn a lot of money). Furthermore, B1 introduces idiomatic expressions, most notably 'a la carrera', meaning 'in a rush' or 'hastily'. This allows learners to describe their daily routines more naturally: 'Desayuné a la carrera porque llegaba tarde' (I ate breakfast in a rush because I was late). The transportation meaning—a taxi fare or ride—is also introduced, which is highly practical for travel scenarios. B1 students must demonstrate the ability to switch seamlessly between these different meanings—race, degree, professional path, rush, and taxi ride—relying on surrounding vocabulary and grammatical structures to interpret and produce the correct usage in varied conversational contexts.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the use of 'carrera' becomes highly sophisticated, reflecting a deep understanding of abstract concepts and professional jargon. Learners at this stage engage in complex discussions about the job market, academic systems, and societal pressures. They use terms like 'carrera de fondo' (long-distance race) metaphorically to describe a long, arduous process, such as learning a language or building a business. They discuss 'planes de carrera' (career plans) within corporate structures and debate the merits of different 'carreras universitarias' (university degrees) in the modern economy. B2 students are also expected to recognize and use compound nouns and collocations accurately, such as 'carrera armamentística' (arms race) or 'carrera espacial' (space race) in historical or political discussions. The vocabulary surrounding 'carrera' expands to include verbs like 'compaginar' (to balance, e.g., balancing a career and family) and 'truncar' (to cut short, e.g., a truncated career). At this level, 'carrera' is no longer just a simple noun; it is a versatile tool for expressing complex ideas about ambition, endurance, education, and professional life in the Spanish-speaking world.
At the C1 advanced level, learners possess a near-native command of the word 'carrera' and its myriad applications. They can effortlessly navigate highly specialized contexts, such as academic administration, human resources, and literary metaphors. C1 users understand subtle register differences, knowing when to use 'carrera' versus 'trayectoria' or 'andadura' in formal writing. They are comfortable with advanced idioms and colloquialisms, such as 'hacer carrera' (to succeed/climb the ranks) or 'estar en la carrera' (to be in the running for something). In debates and essays, they can critically analyze concepts like 'la carrera de la rata' (the rat race) to discuss modern capitalism and work-life balance. They also understand regional variations, such as the specific nuances of 'carrera' in different Latin American countries versus Spain. At C1, the word is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, allowing them to produce elegant, precise, and culturally appropriate Spanish across any topic, whether they are analyzing a political race, critiquing a professional trajectory, or describing a literal marathon with vivid, descriptive language.
At the C2 mastery level, the learner's understanding of 'carrera' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They appreciate the deep etymological roots of the word and how it shapes its modern usage. C2 users can play with the word's dual meanings (physical race vs. life path) for rhetorical effect in speeches, creative writing, or high-level academic discourse. They can seamlessly comprehend and produce highly obscure or domain-specific idioms, historical references, and literary metaphors involving 'carrera'. They understand the socio-cultural implications of 'titulitis' (the obsession with degrees) and how the concept of 'carrera' has evolved in the Spanish-speaking world over decades. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'carrera' is utilized with absolute precision, whether in a complex legal document detailing a professional's 'carrera administrativa', a poetic reflection on the 'carrera de la vida' (the race of life), or a nuanced critique of an athlete's strategic pacing in a 'carrera de resistencia'. The C2 learner wields the word with complete confidence, creativity, and cultural resonance.

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.
The Spanish noun 'carrera' is a remarkably versatile and frequently used word that primarily encompasses two distinct but conceptually related meanings: a physical race or competition of speed, and a professional career path or university degree program. Understanding the multifaceted nature of 'carrera' is absolutely essential for learners of Spanish, as it appears in a wide array of everyday contexts, from sports commentary to academic advising and professional networking. When we analyze the etymology and historical evolution of this term, we find that it derives from the Latin word 'carraria', which originally referred to a road or path meant for vehicles or carriages. This underlying concept of a 'path' or 'trajectory' beautifully connects its modern usages. In the context of sports and physical activities, a 'carrera' is a race, a designated path over which competitors run, drive, or ride to determine who is the fastest.

El domingo participaré en una carrera de diez kilómetros para recaudar fondos para el hospital local.

This physical manifestation of the word is perhaps the most intuitive for beginners. However, the metaphorical extension of this 'path' leads us to its second major meaning: an academic or professional journey. Just as a runner follows a course to reach a finish line, a student follows a curriculum to achieve a degree, and a professional follows a trajectory to achieve career success.
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.

Furthermore, 'carrera' can refer to a person's entire professional life or trajectory, similar to the English word 'career'.
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.

It is also crucial to recognize the idiomatic and colloquial expressions that utilize this word. For instance, the phrase 'a la carrera' means doing something hastily or in a rush, reflecting the speed associated with a physical race.

Tuve que vestirme a la carrera porque me quedé dormido y el autobús estaba a punto de pasar.

In the realm of transportation, particularly in countries like Spain, a 'carrera' can also refer to a taxi ride or the fare charged for that specific journey.
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.

By mastering these various dimensions of 'carrera', learners can significantly enhance their communicative competence and navigate diverse conversational landscapes with greater confidence and precision. The key is to always pay close attention to the surrounding context, as the verbs and adjectives accompanying 'carrera' will invariably signal whether the speaker is discussing a marathon, a university degree, a professional trajectory, a hasty action, or a taxi fare.
Using the word 'carrera' correctly requires a solid understanding of the specific verbs and prepositions that naturally collocate with it in its various meanings. Because 'carrera' bridges the gap between physical sports, academic pursuits, and professional life, the grammatical structures surrounding it shift depending on the intended context. Let us first examine its usage in the context of physical races and sports. When talking about participating in a race, the most common verbs are 'correr' (to run), 'participar en' (to participate in), and 'ganar' (to win).

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.
Transitioning to the academic sphere, the usage changes significantly. When referring to a university degree, the standard verb is 'estudiar' (to study) or 'hacer' (to do/make).

Mi hermana decidió estudiar la carrera de arquitectura porque le encanta diseñar edificios sostenibles.

Another crucial verb in the academic context is 'terminar' (to finish) or 'acabar' (to complete), which signifies graduating or completing the degree program.
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.

In the professional realm, 'carrera' is often paired with verbs that denote progression, development, or building. You will frequently hear 'desarrollar una carrera' (to develop a career), 'hacer carrera' (to build a career/climb the ladder), or 'arruinar una carrera' (to ruin a career).

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).
When using 'carrera' to mean a taxi ride, the verbs 'pagar' (to pay) and 'cobrar' (to charge) are standard.

El taxista me cobró una carrera muy cara porque había mucho tráfico en el centro.

Finally, regarding the adverbial phrase 'a la carrera' (hastily/in a rush), it modifies verbs of action. You can 'comer a la carrera' (eat in a rush), 'salir a la carrera' (leave in a rush), or 'hacer los deberes a la carrera' (do homework in a rush). This phrase is invariable and functions as an adverb of manner, providing a vivid image of someone moving as if they were in an actual race. Mastering these specific verb pairings and prepositions will ensure that your use of 'carrera' sounds natural, fluent, and perfectly tailored to the situation at hand.
The ubiquitous nature of the word 'carrera' means that learners of Spanish will encounter it in a vast array of environments, media formats, and daily conversations. Because it spans sports, education, and professional life, its frequency in both spoken and written Spanish is exceptionally high. One of the most common places you will hear 'carrera' is in the realm of sports broadcasting and journalism. Whether you are watching the Olympic Games, a Formula 1 broadcast, a local marathon, or a horse racing event, the word will be repeated constantly by commentators.

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.
Moving away from sports, university campuses and educational institutions are prime locations for hearing this word. If you study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country or interact with Spanish-speaking students, 'carrera' will be a central topic of conversation. Students constantly discuss their 'carreras', comparing workloads, professors, and future prospects.

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.
The corporate world and professional environments represent another major domain for this word. In job interviews, networking events, performance reviews, and business meetings, discussing one's 'carrera profesional' is standard practice. Human resources professionals talk about 'planes de carrera' (career plans or career development paths) within a company.

Durante la entrevista de trabajo, me preguntaron cuáles eran mis objetivos para mi carrera a largo plazo.

Furthermore, in everyday casual conversation, you will hear the idiomatic expression 'a la carrera' when people are describing their stressful, fast-paced lives. Parents might talk about getting their kids ready for school 'a la carrera', or employees might complain about eating lunch 'a la carrera' due to a heavy workload.

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.
Finally, if you are traveling in a Spanish-speaking city and taking taxis, you will hear drivers use 'carrera' to refer to the trip itself.

El taxista me dijo que no podía hacer esa carrera porque su turno estaba a punto de terminar.

By immersing yourself in these various contexts—watching sports, reading business articles, talking to students, and traveling—you will develop a natural, intuitive ear for the many nuances of 'carrera'.
When learning the word 'carrera', English speakers frequently encounter several linguistic traps and false friends that can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing. The most prominent and persistent mistake involves the translation of the English word 'career'. While 'carrera' can indeed mean 'career' in the sense of a professional trajectory (e.g., 'una carrera exitosa en los negocios'), it is heavily used in Spanish to mean a 'university degree program' or 'major', which is a concept that English speakers usually express with words like 'degree', 'major', or 'course of study'.

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'.
Another common error is confusing 'carrera' with 'profesión' (profession) or 'trabajo' (job). While related, they are not strictly interchangeable. You study a 'carrera' at a university so that you can later exercise a 'profesión' and go to your 'trabajo' every day.

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.
In the context of sports, learners sometimes mistakenly use 'raza' to translate the English word 'race'. This is a critical error. In Spanish, 'raza' refers exclusively to a biological race (like a breed of dog or human racial categories), never to a competition of speed.

Ayer vi una carrera de caballos muy emocionante en la televisión.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the idiomatic expression 'a la carrera'. They might try to translate 'in a rush' literally as 'en una prisa' or 'en un apuro', which, while sometimes understandable, lacks the native-like fluency of 'a la carrera'.
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.

Lastly, when referring to a taxi ride, learners might use 'viaje' (trip) or 'paseo' (ride/stroll). While 'viaje en taxi' is perfectly understood, 'carrera' is the specific, idiomatic term used by drivers and locals in many regions, particularly in Spain and parts of Latin America.

¿Cuánto cuesta la carrera hasta la estación de trenes?

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the 'major' vs. 'carrera' and 'race' vs. 'raza' traps—learners can avoid confusing their listeners and communicate their ideas with clarity and accuracy.
To truly master the Spanish language, it is highly beneficial to understand not just the target word 'carrera', but also the constellation of similar words and synonyms that surround it. By exploring these related terms, learners can express themselves with greater nuance and avoid repetitive vocabulary. Let us begin with the academic and professional synonyms. When 'carrera' refers to a university degree, a very close synonym is 'licenciatura' (bachelor's degree) or 'grado' (degree).

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.
When discussing a person's professional life, 'trayectoria' (trajectory/path) is an excellent, slightly more formal alternative to 'carrera'. It emphasizes the path taken over time.

El profesor tiene una carrera impresionante, con una trayectoria de más de treinta años en la investigación científica.

Other related professional terms include 'profesión' (profession), which focuses on the occupation itself, and 'oficio' (trade/craft), which is typically used for manual or skilled labor rather than university-educated professions.
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.

Shifting to the sports context, when 'carrera' means a race, synonyms include 'competición' (competition) or 'prueba' (test/event). While 'carrera' specifically implies speed, 'competición' is a broader term for any contest.

La carrera de los cien metros lisos es la competición más esperada de los Juegos Olímpicos.

For the idiomatic expression 'a la carrera' (in a rush), learners can use synonyms like 'deprisa' (fast/hurriedly), 'rápidamente' (quickly), or 'con prisas' (with haste).
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.

Finally, in the context of a taxi ride, alternatives to 'carrera' include 'viaje' (trip) or 'trayecto' (route/journey). By familiarizing yourself with these synonyms and related terms, you can navigate Spanish conversations with a much richer vocabulary, selecting the exact word that best fits the subtle nuances of your intended meaning.

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

1

El perro corre rápido en la carrera.

The dog runs fast in the race.

Uses present tense 'corre' with the noun 'carrera'.

2

Me gusta la carrera de coches.

I like the car race.

'Carrera de coches' is a common noun phrase.

3

La carrera es el domingo.

The race is on Sunday.

Uses the verb 'ser' for events.

4

Yo veo la carrera en la televisión.

I watch the race on television.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

5

El niño gana la carrera.

The boy wins the race.

'Ganar' (to win) is frequently paired with 'carrera'.

6

Es una carrera muy larga.

It is a very long race.

Adjective 'larga' agrees with feminine 'carrera'.

7

Participo en una carrera de cinco kilómetros.

I participate in a five-kilometer race.

'Participar en' requires the preposition 'en'.

8

La carrera empieza ahora.

The race starts now.

'Empezar' used in the present tense.

1

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'.

2

Quiero terminar mi carrera el próximo año.

I want to finish my degree next year.

'Terminar' is used for completing a degree.

3

La carrera de derecho es muy difícil.

The law degree is very difficult.

Describing a degree program with adjectives.

4

Ayer corrí una carrera en el parque.

Yesterday I ran a race in the park.

Past tense 'corrí' with 'carrera'.

5

¿Qué carrera estudias en la universidad?

What degree do you study at the university?

Common question format for asking about majors.

6

Hice mis deberes a la carrera.

I did my homework in a rush.

Introduction of the idiom 'a la carrera'.

7

El taxista me cobró diez euros por la carrera.

The taxi driver charged me ten euros for the ride.

'Carrera' meaning taxi fare/ride.

8

Ella tiene una carrera muy interesante.

She has a very interesting career.

'Carrera' meaning professional path.

1

Para tener una buena carrera, necesitas trabajar duro.

To have a good career, you need to work hard.

Infinitive phrase expressing purpose.

2

Si estudiara esa carrera, sería muy feliz.

If I studied that degree, I would be very happy.

Second conditional with imperfect subjunctive.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

La carrera armamentística fue un período de gran tensión.

The arms race was a period of great tension.

Compound concept 'carrera armamentística'.

7

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.

8

Es una carrera de fondo, no un sprint.

It's a long-distance race, not a sprint.

Metaphorical use of 'carrera de fondo'.

1

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'.

2

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'.

3

La carrera espacial entre las superpotencias definió la Guerra Fría.

The space race between the superpowers defined the Cold War.

Historical terminology 'carrera espacial'.

4

Después de una dilatada carrera, el director anunció su jubilación.

After a lengthy career, the director announced his retirement.

Advanced adjective 'dilatada' (lengthy/extensive).

5

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'.

6

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'.

7

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.

8

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.

1

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'.

2

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).

3

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'.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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).

7

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'.

8

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.

1

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'.

2

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'.

3

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'.

4

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'.

5

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.

6

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'.

7

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'.

8

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

carrera universitaria
carrera profesional
carrera de fondo
estudiar una carrera
terminar la carrera
hacer carrera
carrera de obstáculos
carrera espacial
carrera armamentística
a la carrera

يُخلط عادةً مع

carrera vs raza

carrera vs profesión

carrera vs curso

سهل الخلط

carrera vs

carrera vs

carrera vs

carrera vs

carrera vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

note

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).

أخطاء شائعة
  • 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 أسئلة

No, 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.

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