mercado laboral
Lemma Details
Translation: labor market; job market; employment market
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Combines 'mercado' (market) from Latin 'mercatus' (trade, market) and 'laboral' (labor-related) from Latin 'laboralis', derived from 'labor' (work, toil). The English cognate 'labor market' follows the same conceptual formation, though English uses the Germanic 'market' (from Latin via Old English) paired with 'labor' (from Latin).
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La situación del mercado laboral ha mejorado en los últimos meses.
The situation in the labor market has improved in recent months.
Los jóvenes enfrentan dificultades para entrar al mercado laboral.
Young people face difficulties entering the job market.
Las políticas económicas buscan dinamizar el mercado laboral.
Economic policies seek to stimulate the labor market.
El mercado laboral español se caracteriza por su alta tasa de temporalidad.
The Spanish labor market is characterized by its high rate of temporary employment.
Mnemonics
- 'Mercado' sounds like 'market' and 'laboral' resembles 'labor' - together they form the 'labor market'
- Think of a marketplace (mercado) where people are looking for work (labor)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
A frequently discussed concept in Spanish-speaking countries, especially in news media, economic reports, and political discourse about employment policies and economic conditions. Understanding of the 'mercado laboral' is considered important in discussions about social welfare and economic development.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Mercado laboral' refers to the broader concept of the labor market as a whole, while 'bolsa de trabajo' refers specifically to a job bank or employment agency.
Confused word:
Busqué empleo a través de la bolsa de trabajo de la universidad.
I looked for a job through the university's job bank.
Notes: 'Mercado laboral' is used in economic and sociological contexts, while 'bolsa de trabajo' is more practical and specific to job searching.
Mnemonic: 'Mercado' is the big market of all jobs, while 'bolsa' is like a bag or pool of specific job opportunities.