Retirado describes someone who has stepped back from active work or lives in a quiet, isolated place.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to someone who has permanently stopped working.
- Can also describe a person living in a remote place.
- Often used to describe retired professionals or soldiers.
Visión general
El adjetivo 'retirado' proviene del participio del verbo 'retirar'. En su uso más común, describe a alguien que se ha jubilado, es decir, que ha finalizado su vida laboral activa. Sin embargo, el término es versátil y puede aplicarse tanto a personas como a objetos o lugares. 2) Patrones de uso: Se utiliza principalmente con verbos copulativos como 'estar' o 'quedar'. Por ejemplo, 'Mi abuelo está retirado' indica un estado permanente. También puede funcionar como sustantivo en contextos específicos, aunque su función principal es calificar el estado de una persona. 3) Contextos comunes: Es muy frecuente en conversaciones sobre la familia, la economía y la planificación del futuro. Se usa habitualmente en entornos formales (como documentos de seguridad social) y en contextos informales de la vida cotidiana. Además, en un sentido figurado, puede describir a alguien que prefiere la soledad o que vive en una zona rural, alejada de los centros de actividad. 4) Comparación con palabras similares: 'Jubilado' es el sinónimo más directo en el ámbito laboral, mientras que 'apartado' se usa más cuando el énfasis está en la ubicación geográfica o el deseo de estar solo. Entender la diferencia es clave: 'retirado' implica una transición desde una actividad previa, mientras que 'apartado' puede referirse simplemente a una posición física estática.
Examples
Mi abuelo está retirado y disfruta de su tiempo libre.
everydayMy grandfather is retired and enjoys his free time.
El coronel retirado asistió a la ceremonia oficial.
formalThe retired colonel attended the official ceremony.
Vive en un pueblo muy retirado, casi no hay cobertura.
informalHe lives in a very remote village; there is almost no signal.
El producto fue retirado del mercado por fallos técnicos.
academicThe product was withdrawn from the market due to technical failures.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
retirado de la vida pública
withdrawn from public life
mantenerse retirado
to remain secluded
un paraje retirado
a remote spot
Often Confused With
Jubilado is strictly used for someone who has stopped working due to age or pension. Retirado is broader and can refer to location or military status.
Apartado implies physical distance or being set aside. Retirado implies a change in status or a choice of quiet lifestyle.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral to formal. It is widely used in both Spain and Latin America. When referring to people, it is often interchangeable with 'jubilado', but 'retirado' is more common in military contexts. Always ensure the context matches the intended meaning (work vs. location).
Common Mistakes
Students often use it as a verb instead of an adjective. Remember that it must be used with 'estar' (to be in a state). Do not say 'él retiró' to mean 'he is retired' because that means 'he withdrew (something)'.
Tips
Think of the root word retire
The word shares the same root as the English 'retired'. It helps to visualize someone stepping back from the busy stage of life.
Don't confuse with physical removal
Be careful when using it for objects; it means 'removed' or 'withdrawn' in that context. Always check if the noun is a person or an item.
Cultural respect for retirees
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, retired people are highly respected. Using the term respectfully is important in social interactions.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'retrahere', meaning to pull back or withdraw. The Spanish 'retirar' evolved directly from this root, maintaining the sense of pulling away from activity.
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, retirement is often seen as a well-deserved period of leisure after decades of hard work. The term 'retirado' carries a connotation of peace and rest after a long professional journey.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'tire' on a car that is taken off the road; it is 'retirado'. It helps remember that someone has moved away from the 'road' of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsEn el contexto laboral, son sinónimos. Sin embargo, 'retirado' es un término más amplio que también puede describir a alguien que vive lejos de la ciudad.
Sí, se puede decir que un producto está 'retirado del mercado'. Esto significa que ya no se vende o ha sido sacado de circulación.
Se utiliza 'retirada'. Por ejemplo, 'Mi tía está retirada desde el año pasado'.
Implica que una persona prefiere evitar grandes reuniones o la vida pública. Es una elección personal de estilo de vida.
Test Yourself
Mi padre ya no trabaja, él está ___ desde hace cinco años.
Es la palabra que indica que alguien ha dejado su vida laboral.
¿Qué significa que alguien vive en un lugar retirado?
Retirado también denota lejanía física o aislamiento.
está / mi / abuelo / retirado / ya
Es el orden gramatical más natural en español.
Score: /3
Summary
Retirado describes someone who has stepped back from active work or lives in a quiet, isolated place.
- Refers to someone who has permanently stopped working.
- Can also describe a person living in a remote place.
- Often used to describe retired professionals or soldiers.
Think of the root word retire
The word shares the same root as the English 'retired'. It helps to visualize someone stepping back from the busy stage of life.
Don't confuse with physical removal
Be careful when using it for objects; it means 'removed' or 'withdrawn' in that context. Always check if the noun is a person or an item.
Cultural respect for retirees
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, retired people are highly respected. Using the term respectfully is important in social interactions.
Examples
4 of 4Mi abuelo está retirado y disfruta de su tiempo libre.
My grandfather is retired and enjoys his free time.
El coronel retirado asistió a la ceremonia oficial.
The retired colonel attended the official ceremony.
Vive en un pueblo muy retirado, casi no hay cobertura.
He lives in a very remote village; there is almost no signal.
El producto fue retirado del mercado por fallos técnicos.
The product was withdrawn from the market due to technical failures.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More military words
sacrificio
A2The act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else.
reclutar
A2To enlist new people into the armed forces.
patriótico
A2Having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support for one's country.
estratégicamente
A2In a way that relates to strategy; carefully planned.
abiertamente
A2In an open manner; without concealment.
cuartel general
B1The main administrative or command center of a military unit.
desertar
B2To abandon one's military duty or post.
heroicamente
B2In a heroic or very brave way.
comandar
B1To be in charge of a military unit or operation.
auxiliar
B1To give help or support to someone.
