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A1 noun #1,500 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

tarea

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces tarea en 30 secondes

Explication tarea in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'tarea' is introduced almost immediately because it is an essential part of the vocabulary needed to survive in a classroom setting. For beginners, 'tarea' strictly means 'homework'. It is the word you use to understand what the teacher expects you to do after class. At this stage, learners are taught simple, declarative sentences. You learn to say 'Tengo tarea' (I have homework) to explain why you cannot go out and play, or 'No tengo tarea' (I don't have homework) when you are free. The grammar surrounding it is kept very basic. Students learn that it is a feminine noun, so they must use 'la tarea' or 'mucha tarea'. The primary verb associated with it at this level is 'hacer' (to do). The phrase 'hacer la tarea' becomes a fixed expression that students memorize as a single chunk of meaning. You might also learn basic prepositions to specify the subject, such as 'tarea de español' or 'tarea de matemáticas'. The focus is purely on practical, daily communication regarding school obligations. Teachers will use it in commands like 'Hagan la tarea' (Do the homework). At A1, you do not need to worry about the abstract or professional meanings of the word; mastering its use in the context of schoolwork and daily routines is the sole objective. It is a highly frequent, high-utility word that forms the foundation of discussing one's daily schedule and responsibilities as a student.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their vocabulary expands to include daily routines and household life. Here, the meaning of 'tarea' broadens significantly. While it still heavily means 'school homework', A2 students are introduced to the phrase 'tareas del hogar' or 'tareas domésticas', which translates to 'household chores'. This is a critical expansion because it allows learners to describe their daily lives at home, not just at school. You learn to talk about dividing chores among family members: 'Mi tarea es lavar los platos' (My chore is to wash the dishes) or 'Tengo muchas tareas en casa hoy' (I have many chores at home today). At this level, the plural form 'tareas' becomes much more common, as chores are usually discussed in the plural. Grammatically, students start using 'tarea' with a wider variety of verbs. Instead of just 'hacer' (to do) and 'tener' (to have), they might use 'terminar' (to finish), 'empezar' (to start), or 'olvidar' (to forget). For example, 'Olvidé hacer mi tarea' (I forgot to do my homework) or 'Terminé mis tareas domésticas' (I finished my household chores). The contexts become slightly more complex, involving time expressions like 'antes de' (before) or 'después de' (after): 'Hago mi tarea después de cenar' (I do my homework after dinner). This level solidifies 'tarea' as a word that bridges the gap between educational duties and domestic responsibilities.

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At the B1 level, the learner's world expands into the professional and broader social spheres, and the usage of 'tarea' reflects this. It is no longer just about schoolwork or sweeping the floor; 'tarea' now frequently translates to 'task', 'duty', or 'assignment' in a workplace or project context. B1 students learn to use 'tarea' to describe their job responsibilities or the steps needed to complete a project. You might hear phrases like 'Mi primera tarea en la oficina es revisar los correos' (My first task in the office is to check emails). The vocabulary surrounding 'tarea' becomes more sophisticated. Students learn adjectives to describe tasks, such as 'tarea difícil' (difficult task), 'tarea fácil' (easy task), 'tarea aburrida' (boring task), or 'tarea importante' (important task). They also start using it with verbs related to management and organization, such as 'asignar' (to assign), 'organizar' (to organize), or 'completar' (to complete). For instance, 'El jefe me asignó una nueva tarea' (The boss assigned me a new task). Furthermore, B1 learners become aware of the regional differences, specifically that in Spain, 'deberes' is used for schoolwork, while 'tarea' is used for general tasks. This cultural awareness is a key component of the B1 level, allowing students to adapt their vocabulary depending on who they are speaking with or where they are located. The word becomes a versatile tool for discussing productivity and responsibilities.

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Reaching the B2 level means a student can express themselves with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. The use of 'tarea' at this stage becomes more abstract and nuanced. It is used in complex professional discussions, project management, and abstract problem-solving. B2 learners use 'tarea' in compound phrases and idiomatic expressions. They talk about 'tareas pendientes' (pending tasks), 'gestión de tareas' (task management), and 'delegar tareas' (delegating tasks). The contexts are often corporate or academic at a higher level. For example, 'Es fundamental delegar tareas para mejorar la eficiencia del equipo' (It is essential to delegate tasks to improve team efficiency). At this level, 'tarea' can also refer to a broader, more abstract mission or challenge. A student might say, 'Aprender un idioma a la perfección es una tarea ardua' (Learning a language perfectly is an arduous task). The adjectives paired with 'tarea' become more advanced: 'ardua' (arduous), 'titánica' (titanic/massive), 'compleja' (complex), 'tediosa' (tedious). Students also learn to use 'tarea' in passive constructions or impersonal sentences, such as 'Se han completado todas las tareas requeridas' (All required tasks have been completed). The word is fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, used effortlessly to describe not just physical or academic work, but cognitive and organizational efforts as well. It is a key word for demonstrating professional competence in Spanish.

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At the C1 level, the learner has an advanced, almost native-like command of the language. The word 'tarea' is used in highly sophisticated, abstract, and sometimes literary contexts. It transcends the mundane meanings of homework or chores and is often used to describe profound responsibilities, societal challenges, or life missions. A C1 speaker might use 'tarea' when discussing politics, philosophy, or social issues. For example, 'La tarea de erradicar la desigualdad social requiere un esfuerzo conjunto del gobierno y la ciudadanía' (The task of eradicating social inequality requires a joint effort from the government and citizens). The word is often used metaphorically. You will encounter phrases like 'la noble tarea de educar' (the noble task of educating) or 'una tarea de proporciones épicas' (a task of epic proportions). At this level, learners are highly sensitive to register and tone. They know exactly when to use 'tarea' versus 'labor', 'cometido', or 'quehacer', choosing the precise synonym to convey the exact shade of meaning required by the context. They understand the subtle pragmatic implications of the word—how assigning a 'tarea' can imply authority, or how taking on a 'tarea' implies commitment. The grammar structures used with 'tarea' are complex, often involving the subjunctive mood in relative clauses: 'Busco a alguien que pueda asumir esta tarea con responsabilidad' (I am looking for someone who can take on this task with responsibility). 'Tarea' is wielded as a powerful rhetorical tool.

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The C2 level represents mastery of the Spanish language, equivalent to an educated native speaker. At this stage, the understanding and usage of 'tarea' are absolute and encompass all its historical, cultural, and literary dimensions. A C2 speaker navigates the nuances of 'tarea' effortlessly across all registers, from the most colloquial slang to the most elevated academic discourse. They might use it in complex administrative jargon, legal documents, or poetic prose. For instance, in a formal essay, a C2 user might write, 'El autor se impone la titánica tarea de desentrañar los misterios de la psique humana' (The author takes upon himself the titanic task of unraveling the mysteries of the human psyche). They are completely comfortable with highly specific collocations and idiomatic uses that might confuse lower-level learners. They understand the etymological weight of the word and how it relates to concepts of duty and time. Furthermore, a C2 speaker can play with the word, using it ironically or sarcastically. If a friend is trying to assemble a very complicated piece of furniture, a C2 speaker might say, '¡Menuda tarea te has buscado!' (What a task you've found for yourself!), using intonation and context to convey humor and sympathy. At this ultimate level of proficiency, 'tarea' is not just a vocabulary word to be translated; it is a conceptual building block used to articulate complex thoughts about human endeavor, responsibility, and the nature of work itself.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

tarea en 30 secondes

Means 'homework' in Latin America.
Means 'task' or 'chore' generally.
Always feminine: 'la tarea'.
Often used with the verb 'hacer'.

The Spanish word 'tarea' is a fundamental noun that primarily translates to 'homework' or 'task' in English. It is an essential vocabulary word introduced early in a student's language learning journey, typically at the A1 CEFR level, because it relates directly to the educational environment and daily routines. Understanding 'tarea' goes beyond simply knowing it means homework; it encompasses a wide range of obligations, duties, and specific assignments that a person must complete. The etymology of the word traces back to the Arabic word 'ṭaríḥa', which meant a task or a specific amount of work assigned to be done in a certain time. This historical root perfectly encapsulates its modern usage. When we talk about 'tarea' in a school context, it refers to the exercises, reading, or projects that teachers assign to students to be completed outside of regular class hours. However, its meaning extends significantly into the domestic and professional spheres.

Educational Context: In schools and universities, 'tarea' is the universal term in Latin America for homework. It represents the academic responsibilities of a student.

El profesor de matemáticas nos dejó mucha tarea para el fin de semana.

Beyond the classroom, 'tarea' is frequently used to describe household chores. In this context, it is often pluralized as 'tareas del hogar' or simply 'tareas'. These are the routine tasks required to maintain a household, such as cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, and doing laundry.

Domestic Context: When referring to household chores, 'tareas' implies the necessary, often repetitive work required to keep a home functioning properly.

Mi tarea principal en la casa es lavar los platos después de cenar.

In a professional or general sense, a 'tarea' is any specific task, mission, or undertaking. It can refer to a project at work, a specific duty assigned by a manager, or even a personal goal one sets for oneself. The versatility of the word makes it indispensable. You can have a 'tarea difícil' (a difficult task), a 'tarea pendiente' (a pending task), or a 'tarea titánica' (a titanic/massive task).

Terminar este informe antes del viernes es una tarea casi imposible.

Professional Context: In the workplace, 'tarea' translates to task or duty, often used in project management or daily operational planning.

El gerente delegó la tarea de organizar la reunión al asistente.

Furthermore, the concept of 'tarea' carries a psychological weight; it implies an obligation or a responsibility that must be fulfilled. It is not something done purely for leisure, but rather something that requires effort, discipline, and time management. Whether you are a student complaining about the amount of work assigned by a strict teacher, a parent organizing the weekend cleaning schedule, or an employee managing a complex workflow, the word 'tarea' is the precise and accurate term to describe the work that lies ahead.

Educar a los hijos es una tarea que requiere mucha paciencia y amor.

In summary, 'tarea' is a multifaceted noun that bridges the gap between academic obligations, domestic responsibilities, and professional duties, making it a cornerstone of everyday Spanish communication.

Using the word 'tarea' correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties, the verbs it most commonly pairs with, and the prepositions that follow it to add specific context. Grammatically, 'tarea' is a feminine, singular noun. Its plural form is 'tareas'. Because it is feminine, any articles, adjectives, or pronouns associated with it must also be feminine. You will say 'la tarea' (the homework/task), 'una tarea' (a homework/task), 'esta tarea' (this homework/task), and 'muchas tareas' (many homeworks/tasks). The most crucial aspect of using 'tarea' is mastering the verbs that collocate, or naturally pair, with it. The absolute most common verb used with 'tarea' is 'hacer' (to do/to make).

Hacer la tarea: This is the standard phrase for 'to do homework' or 'to do the task'. In English, we say 'do homework', but in Spanish, the definite article 'la' is almost always included.

Los niños tienen que hacer la tarea antes de salir a jugar al parque.

Another highly frequent verb is 'tener' (to have). When a student wants to express that they have been assigned homework, they use 'tener tarea'.

Hoy no puedo ir al cine porque tengo mucha tarea de historia.

Teachers, on the other hand, use verbs like 'dejar' (to leave/assign), 'dar' (to give), or 'asignar' (to assign) when they give homework to their students.

Dejar tarea: This is a very common colloquial way in Latin America to say 'to assign homework'. Literally, it means 'to leave homework'.

El profesor de química siempre deja demasiada tarea los viernes.

When a student finishes their homework and needs to give it to the teacher, the verb 'entregar' (to hand in / to submit) is used.

Mañana es el último día para entregar la tarea de ciencias.

To specify what subject the homework is for, you use the preposition 'de' followed by the subject. For example, 'tarea de matemáticas' (math homework), 'tarea de español' (Spanish homework), or 'tarea de inglés' (English homework).

Prepositional Usage: The formula 'tarea + de + [subject/topic]' is the standard way to categorize the type of work being discussed.

Finally, when talking about chores, the phrase is usually 'tareas del hogar' or 'tareas domésticas'.

Nos dividimos las tareas del hogar para terminar más rápido el sábado por la mañana.

By mastering these verb pairings and prepositional phrases, you will be able to use 'tarea' naturally and accurately in any Spanish-speaking environment.

The word 'tarea' is ubiquitous in the Spanish-speaking world, but the specific contexts and frequencies of its use can vary depending on the region and the environment. The most prominent and universal setting where you will hear 'tarea' is within the educational system. From preschools to universities, 'tarea' is the standard vocabulary used by teachers, students, and parents to discuss academic assignments meant to be completed outside of class.

Schools and Universities: In Latin America, 'tarea' is the absolute standard for homework. You will hear it in classrooms, hallways, and parent-teacher conferences constantly.

Niños, anoten la tarea en sus cuadernos antes de que toque el timbre.

However, it is crucial to note a significant regional difference. In Spain, while 'tarea' is understood perfectly well, the word 'deberes' is overwhelmingly preferred when referring specifically to school homework. A student in Madrid is much more likely to say 'Tengo que hacer los deberes' rather than 'Tengo que hacer la tarea'. In Spain, 'tarea' is generally reserved for broader tasks, chores, or professional duties. Moving away from education, the domestic sphere is another major domain for 'tarea'. Families use this word to organize their lives and maintain their living spaces.

At Home: Discussions about 'tareas del hogar' (household chores) are a daily occurrence in Spanish-speaking households, often involving negotiations about who does what.

Mi madre hizo una lista de tareas para que todos ayudemos a limpiar la casa.

In the corporate and professional world, 'tarea' takes on a more formal tone, equating to 'task', 'duty', or 'assignment'. Project managers talk about assigning tasks, tracking tasks, and completing tasks.

El equipo de desarrollo tiene varias tareas críticas que completar esta semana.

The Workplace: Software like Trello or Asana are often referred to as 'gestores de tareas' (task managers) in Spanish business environments.

You will also hear 'tarea' in metaphorical or abstract contexts. Politicians might speak of the 'tarea' of rebuilding a nation, or an activist might talk about the 'tarea' of fighting climate change.

Erradicar la pobreza es una tarea que nos corresponde a todos como sociedad.

Finally, in casual conversation, friends might use 'tarea' playfully. If someone has to do something difficult or tedious, a friend might say, '¡Vaya tarea te ha tocado!' (What a task you've been given!).

Convencer a mi abuelo de usar un teléfono inteligente fue una tarea agotadora.

Understanding these diverse contexts ensures that you can comprehend and utilize 'tarea' effectively, whether you are in a classroom in Mexico, a home in Argentina, or an office in Colombia.

While 'tarea' is a relatively straightforward noun, English speakers learning Spanish frequently make a few specific errors regarding its grammar, verb pairings, and cultural nuances. The most common mistake involves the direct translation of the English phrase 'to do homework'. In English, 'homework' is an uncountable noun, and we do not use an article before it. We simply say, 'I am doing homework.' In Spanish, however, 'tarea' is a countable noun, and when referring to the specific homework assigned, the definite article 'la' is almost always required.

Missing the Article: Saying 'hacer tarea' instead of 'hacer la tarea' sounds slightly unnatural in many contexts, though it is sometimes used when speaking generally about the concept of having work to do.

Incorrecto: Voy a hacer tarea. / Correcto: Voy a hacer la tarea.

Another frequent error is confusing 'tarea' with 'trabajo'. While both can translate to 'work', they are used differently. 'Trabajo' generally refers to employment, a job, or a large-scale academic paper or project (un trabajo de investigación). 'Tarea' refers to smaller, specific assignments or daily homework.

El profesor nos pidió un trabajo final de diez páginas, además de la tarea semanal.

Pluralization Errors: English speakers often treat 'homework' as strictly uncountable and forget that 'tarea' can be pluralized into 'tareas' when referring to multiple distinct assignments or chores.

If you have math homework, science homework, and history homework, you have 'muchas tareas' (many tasks/assignments), not just 'mucha tarea' (a lot of homework), although both are grammatically acceptable depending on whether you view it collectively or individually.

Tengo tres tareas diferentes que entregar mañana por la mañana.

A more subtle mistake involves the regional use of the word. As mentioned previously, using 'tarea' for school homework in Spain will immediately mark you as a foreigner or someone who learned Latin American Spanish.

Verb Confusion: Learners sometimes try to use verbs like 'realizar' (to carry out) with 'tarea' in casual contexts. While 'realizar una tarea' is grammatically correct and used in formal or professional settings, it sounds overly stiff for a child talking about schoolwork.

Es mejor decir 'hacer la tarea' en lugar de 'realizar la tarea' cuando hablas con tus amigos.

Asegúrate de no confundir la tarea con el examen; la tarea es para practicar en casa.

By being mindful of the definite article, distinguishing it from 'trabajo', remembering its plural form, and respecting regional preferences, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use 'tarea' with native-like fluency.

The Spanish language is rich with vocabulary that overlaps with the concept of 'tarea'. Depending on the specific context—whether it is school, home, work, or a general mission—different words might be more appropriate. Understanding these synonyms and related terms helps build a more nuanced and precise vocabulary. The most direct and important synonym to understand is 'deberes'.

Deberes: This is the primary word used in Spain for school homework. It literally translates to 'duties' or 'obligations'. In Latin America, 'deberes' is understood but sounds formal or is used to refer to moral or civic duties rather than math problems.

En Madrid, los niños pasan dos horas al día haciendo los deberes, no la tarea.

When discussing household chores, 'quehaceres' is a fantastic alternative to 'tareas del hogar'.

Quehaceres: Formed by combining 'que' (what) and 'hacer' (to do), 'quehaceres' specifically refers to the routine chores of running a household, like sweeping, mopping, and dusting.

Los sábados por la mañana están dedicados a los quehaceres domésticos, como lavar la ropa y limpiar los pisos.

In a professional or more formal context, 'labor' is often used.

Labor: This word translates to 'labor' or 'work' but often carries a sense of ongoing, dedicated effort, such as the 'labor' of a teacher or a doctor.

La labor de los bomberos es fundamental para la seguridad de nuestra ciudad.

Another related word is 'encargo', which translates to 'errand', 'commission', or 'assignment'. An 'encargo' is specifically a task that someone else has asked or ordered you to do.

Mi jefe me dio el encargo de comprar los boletos de avión para la conferencia.

We must also mention 'trabajo' (work/job) and 'misión' (mission). 'Trabajo' is the broadest term for any kind of physical or mental effort, while 'misión' implies a highly important, specific objective, often with a sense of grandeur or critical importance.

Nuestra misión principal es asegurar que todos los clientes estén satisfechos con el servicio.

By distinguishing between 'tarea', 'deberes', 'quehaceres', 'labor', 'encargo', and 'misión', you can express yourself with much greater precision and cultural appropriateness in Spanish.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Definite articles with uncountable concepts

Using 'tener que' + infinitive for obligations

Pluralization of nouns ending in vowels

Gerunds for simultaneous actions (Hago la tarea escuchando música)

Preposition 'de' to indicate type (tarea de matemáticas)

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Exemples par niveau

Tengo mucha tarea de matemáticas hoy.

I have a lot of math homework today.

'Mucha' agrees in gender and number with the feminine singular noun 'tarea'.

Necesito hacer mi tarea antes de la cena.

I need to do my homework before dinner.

'Hacer la tarea' or 'hacer mi tarea' is the standard verb phrase for doing homework.

La profesora de español no dejó tarea.

The Spanish teacher didn't leave (assign) homework.

The verb 'dejar' is commonly used in Latin America to mean 'to assign' when talking about homework.

¿Tienes tarea para mañana?

Do you have homework for tomorrow?

Using 'tener' (to have) to ask about the existence of homework.

Mi tarea es muy fácil.

My homework is very easy.

Adjectives modifying 'tarea' must be feminine singular, though 'fácil' is gender-neutral.

No me gusta hacer la tarea los viernes.

I don't like doing homework on Fridays.

The definite article 'la' is typically used when referring to homework in general with verbs of preference.

La tarea está en mi mochila.

The homework is in my backpack.

Using 'estar' to indicate the physical location of the completed homework.

Tengo una tarea de ciencias muy interesante.

I have a very interesting science homework assignment.

Using 'una' to refer to a single, specific homework assignment.

Los sábados hacemos las tareas del hogar.

On Saturdays we do the household chores.

'Tareas del hogar' is the standard phrase for household chores.

Mi tarea principal es limpiar mi habitación.

My main chore is to clean my room.

Using 'tarea' to define a specific personal responsibility at home.

Terminé todas mis tareas, ¿puedo salir?

I finished all my chores/homework, can I go out?

Pluralizing 'tarea' to 'tareas' when referring to multiple completed assignments or chores.

Olvidé mi tarea en la casa.

I forgot my homework at home.

Using the verb 'olvidar' (to forget) with 'tarea'.

Tenemos que dividir las tareas para terminar rápido.

We have to divide the tasks to finish quickly.

Using 'dividir' (to divide) with plural 'tareas' in a collaborative context.

Es tu tarea sacar la basura esta noche.

It is your task (chore) to take out the trash tonight.

Using 'ser tu tarea' to assign a specific duty to someone else.

La tarea de inglés es leer un libro corto.

The English homework is to read a short book.

Using 'tarea de [subject]' followed by an infinitive verb to describe the assignment.

Siempre hago mi tarea escuchando música.

I always do my homework listening to music.

Combining the action of doing homework with a gerund ('escuchando') to describe simultaneous actions.

El gerente me asignó una nueva tarea en el proyecto.

The manager assigned me a new task on the project.

Transitioning to professional vocabulary: using 'asignar' (to assign) in a workplace context.

Tengo una lista de tareas pendientes muy larga.

I have a very long to-do list (list of pending tasks).

'Lista de tareas pendientes' is the standard translation for a 'to-do list'.

Completar este informe es mi tarea más urgente.

Completing this report is my most urgent task.

Using adjectives like 'urgente' to prioritize tasks.

Nos organizamos usando una aplicación de gestión de tareas.

We organize ourselves using a task management application.

'Gestión de tareas' is the professional term for task management.

Si terminas tus tareas temprano, puedes irte a casa.

If you finish your tasks early, you can go home.

Using conditional 'si' clauses related to task completion.

En España, los niños dicen 'deberes' en lugar de 'tarea'.

In Spain, children say 'deberes' instead of 'tarea'.

Metalinguistic awareness: discussing the regional vocabulary differences.

Es una tarea difícil, pero creo que podemos lograrlo.

It's a difficult task, but I think we can achieve it.

Pairing 'tarea' with 'difícil' and contrasting it with a positive outcome.

Cada miembro del equipo tiene una tarea específica.

Each team member has a specific task.

Using 'específica' to denote individualized responsibilities.

Delegar tareas es fundamental para un buen liderazgo.

Delegating tasks is fundamental for good leadership.

Using the infinitive 'delegar' as the subject of the sentence.

La automatización ha eliminado muchas tareas repetitivas.

Automation has eliminated many repetitive tasks.

Using advanced adjectives like 'repetitivas' in a technological context.

Aprender a tocar el violín es una tarea ardua que requiere años de práctica.

Learning to play the violin is an arduous task that requires years of practice.

Using 'tarea ardua' to describe a long-term, difficult endeavor.

El comité tiene la tarea de evaluar todas las propuestas.

The committee has the task of evaluating all the proposals.

Using 'tener la tarea de + infinitive' to express a formal mandate or objective.

Priorizar las tareas es clave para mejorar la productividad.

Prioritizing tasks is key to improving productivity.

Using 'priorizar' (to prioritize) with 'tareas' in a time management context.

Se le encomendó la difícil tarea de reestructurar el departamento.

He was entrusted with the difficult task of restructuring the department.

Using the passive 'se le encomendó' (he was entrusted with) for formal assignments.

No subestimes la tarea que tienes por delante.

Do not underestimate the task you have ahead of you.

Using the negative imperative 'no subestimes' and the phrase 'por delante' (ahead).

El software facilita el seguimiento de las tareas del proyecto.

The software facilitates the tracking of the project's tasks.

Using 'seguimiento de tareas' for 'task tracking' in project management.

La tarea de erradicar la pobreza requiere un esfuerzo multidisciplinario.

The task of eradicating poverty requires a multidisciplinary effort.

Using 'tarea' in a highly abstract, societal context to denote a grand mission.

Asumió la titánica tarea de traducir la obra completa de Shakespeare.

He took on the titanic task of translating the complete works of Shakespeare.

Pairing 'tarea' with the dramatic adjective 'titánica' (titanic/massive).

Es imperativo que abordemos esta tarea con la mayor diligencia posible.

It is imperative that we approach this task with the utmost diligence possible.

Using the subjunctive 'abordemos' after the impersonal expression 'Es imperativo que'.

La docencia es una tarea noble, aunque a menudo infravalorada.

Teaching is a noble task, although often undervalued.

Using 'tarea' metaphorically to describe a profession or calling.

Desempeñó su tarea con una eficacia encomiable.

She carried out her task with commendable efficiency.

Using the formal verb 'desempeñar' (to carry out/perform) instead of 'hacer'.

La reconstrucción del país posguerra fue una tarea monumental.

The post-war reconstruction of the country was a monumental task.

Using 'tarea monumental' to describe historical, large-scale efforts.

Nos enfrentamos a la ardua tarea de convencer a los inversores.

We face the arduous task of convincing the investors.

Using 'enfrentarse a' (to face) with 'la ardua tarea'.

Su principal tarea consistía en mediar entre las facciones rivales.

His main task consisted of mediating between the rival factions.

Using 'consistir en' (to consist of) to formally define the nature of the task.

El autor se impone la ingente tarea de desentrañar los vericuetos de la mente humana.

The author imposes upon himself the enormous task of unraveling the intricacies of the human mind.

Using highly elevated vocabulary: 'ingente' (enormous), 'desentrañar' (unravel), 'vericuetos' (intricacies).

Más allá de las minucias administrativas, su verdadera tarea era salvaguardar el legado de la institución.

Beyond the administrative minutiae, his true task was to safeguard the institution's legacy.

Contrasting 'tarea' as a profound duty against trivial 'minucias'.

Es una tarea ímproba intentar razonar con quien ha renunciado a la lógica.

It is a Herculean (thankless/impossible) task to try to reason with someone who has renounced logic.

Using the rare, literary adjective 'ímproba' (Herculean/exhausting/fruitless) with 'tarea'.

La comisión concluyó su tarea investigativa sin hallar indicios de dolo.

The commission concluded its investigative task without finding evidence of fraud.

Using 'tarea investigativa' as a formal noun phrase in a legal/administrative context.

Asumir semejante tarea presupone una audacia rayana en la temeridad.

Taking on such a task presupposes an audacity bordering on recklessness.

Using 'semejante tarea' (such a task) in a complex syntactic structure.

La crítica literaria tiene la ingrata tarea de separar el grano de la paja.

Literary criticism has the thankless task of separating the wheat from the chaff.

Using the idiom 'separar el grano de la paja' alongside 'ingrata tarea' (thankless task).

Toda empresa humana es, en el fondo, una tarea inacabada.

Every human endeavor is, deep down, an unfinished task.

Using 'tarea' in a deeply philosophical, existential sense.

Se le encomendó la nada desdeñable tarea de reflotar la economía nacional.

He was entrusted with the not insignificant task of reviving the national economy.

Using the litotes 'nada desdeñable' (not insignificant/considerable) to modify 'tarea'.

Collocations courantes

hacer la tarea

tener tarea

dejar tarea

entregar la tarea

tarea difícil

tarea pendiente

tareas del hogar

gestión de tareas

asignar una tarea

tarea titánica

Phrases Courantes

hacer la tarea

tareas del hogar

lista de tareas

tarea pendiente

tarea de matemáticas

terminar la tarea

ayudar con la tarea

copiar la tarea

olvidar la tarea

tarea escolar

Souvent confondu avec

tarea vs trabajo

tarea vs deberes

tarea vs labor

Expressions idiomatiques

"ser tarea de todos"

"una tarea titánica"

"tarea de chinos"

"tarea ingrata"

"hacer la tarea (metaphorical)"

"tarea pendiente (metaphorical)"

"tarea de Hércules"

"tarea imposible"

"tarea de locos"

"tarea de titanes"

Facile à confondre

tarea vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Implies an obligation. A 'tarea' is rarely something done purely for fun.

formality

Neutral. Can be used in both highly formal and very informal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'hacer tarea' instead of 'hacer la tarea' (missing the article).
Using 'trabajo' when referring to daily math or reading assignments.
Using 'tarea' for schoolwork in Spain and sounding unnatural to locals.
Forgetting to make adjectives feminine (e.g., saying 'tarea aburrido' instead of 'tarea aburrida').
Translating 'to make homework' literally as 'fabricar la tarea' instead of using 'hacer'.

Astuces

Always use 'hacer'

When translating 'to do homework', always use the verb 'hacer'. The phrase is 'hacer la tarea'. Never use 'trabajar' or invent a verb.

Spain vs. Latin America

Remember the golden rule of geography for this word: 'Tarea' for homework in Latin America, 'Deberes' for homework in Spain.

Chores vs. Homework

If you want to be specific that you are cleaning the house and not doing math problems, say 'tareas del hogar' or use the word 'quehaceres'.

Feminine Agreement

'Tarea' is feminine. Watch out for your adjectives! It is 'tarea completada' (completed task), not 'tarea completado'.

The 'De' Preposition

To say what the homework is about, use 'de'. Tarea de ciencias (science homework), tarea de inglés (English homework).

Task Management

In a business setting, impress your colleagues by using phrases like 'lista de tareas' (to-do list) and 'tareas pendientes' (pending tasks).

Metaphorical Homework

Just like in English, saying someone 'hizo su tarea' can mean they researched a topic well before a meeting or debate.

The Single 'R'

The 'r' in 'tarea' is a single flap, like the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'. Do not roll it like a double 'rr'.

Teacher Talk

If you are a teacher, use the verb 'asignar' (formal) or 'dejar' (informal) to tell students you are giving them homework.

Pluralizing for Chores

When writing about your weekend routine, remember to use the plural 'tareas' if you are talking about multiple chores like sweeping, washing, and cooking.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a T-Rex (TA-REA) trying to do math HOMEWORK with its tiny arms. It's a difficult TASK!

Origine du mot

Arabic

Contexte culturel

In a professional setting, 'tarea' is universally understood as a task or action item.

In Spain, use 'deberes' for school homework. In Latin America, use 'tarea'.

Saying someone 'hizo su tarea' (did their homework) can metaphorically mean they came well-prepared for a meeting or debate, just like in English.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿Te dejaron mucha tarea hoy?"

"¿Cuál es tu tarea menos favorita en la casa?"

"¿Usas alguna aplicación para organizar tus tareas?"

"¿Crees que los niños tienen demasiada tarea?"

"¿Ya terminaste tus tareas del hogar?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe tu rutina para hacer la tarea cuando eras niño.

Haz una lista de tus tareas pendientes para esta semana.

¿Qué tarea del hogar odias hacer y por qué?

Escribe sobre una tarea muy difícil que lograste completar.

¿Deberían las escuelas prohibir la tarea? Argumenta tu respuesta.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Tarea' is a feminine noun. Because it ends in the letter 'a', it follows the standard Spanish gender rule. You must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'la tarea', 'una tarea', or 'mucha tarea'.

The most natural way to say this is 'Estoy haciendo la tarea' or 'Estoy haciendo mi tarea'. The verb 'hacer' (to do/make) is the correct verb to use. Do not try to invent a verb like 'tarear'.

Yes, 'tarea' can be pluralized to 'tareas'. You use the plural form when referring to multiple distinct assignments (Tengo tres tareas) or when talking about household chores (las tareas del hogar).

'Trabajo' translates to 'work' or 'job' and is used for employment or large academic projects (like a term paper). 'Tarea' translates to 'homework' or 'task' and is used for daily school assignments or specific chores.

Yes, but primarily to mean 'task' or 'chore'. When talking specifically about school homework, people in Spain almost exclusively use the word 'deberes'. If you say 'tarea' for homework in Spain, they will understand you, but it will sound foreign.

'Dejar tarea' literally translates to 'to leave homework'. In Latin America, this is the standard, colloquial way to say that a teacher 'assigned' homework. 'El profesor dejó mucha tarea' means 'The teacher assigned a lot of homework'.

The most common phrases for household chores are 'tareas del hogar' or 'tareas domésticas'. Another excellent and very common single word for chores is 'quehaceres'.

No. 'Tarea' is heavily used in professional and business contexts to mean 'task'. Project managers talk about 'asignar tareas' (assigning tasks) and use 'gestores de tareas' (task managers like Trello).

You use the preposition 'de'. For example, math homework is 'tarea de matemáticas', and history homework is 'tarea de historia'.

Absolutely. You can talk about 'la tarea de educar' (the task of educating) or 'una tarea titánica' (a titanic task) to describe grand, abstract missions or difficult life challenges.

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