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oficio

trade

noun oh-FEE-syoh Less Common

Origin: From Latin officium (duty, service).

Also means

official duty

Usage Note

Oficio typically refers to a manual or artisanal trade (el oficio de carpintero), distinct from a white-collar profesión. In formal and legal Spanish, un oficio is also an official written communication (oficio de la administración = official notice). De oficio means 'court-appointed': abogado de oficio = public defender. Avoid confusing with oficina (office, workplace).

Examples

"La carpintería es un oficio muy valorado."

Natural Translation

Carpentry is a highly valued trade.

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