Whether you're starting a new job, studying abroad, or just need to handle business in a Spanish-speaking country, knowing workplace vocabulary is essential. This list covers the high-frequency words you'll hear and use every day in an office setting, from basic equipment like your computer and desk to key actions like sending an email or attending a meeting. You will notice many cognates—words that look and mean the same in English and Spanish, like 'oficina' and 'documento'—which makes learning them much easier. This list focuses on Latin American Spanish, which is spoken across most of the Americas. For example, we use 'la computadora' for 'computer' and 'el celular' for 'cell phone'. In Spain, you are more likely to hear 'el ordenador' and 'el móvil'. Understanding these key differences will help you communicate clearly and confidently, no matter where you are. Let's get to work!
the office
Llego a la oficina a las nueve de la mañana. — I arrive at the office at nine in the morning.
the work, the job
Tengo mucho trabajo esta semana. — I have a lot of work this week.
the colleague
Mi colega de Argentina es muy amable. — My colleague from Argentina is very kind.
the boss (male / female)
La jefa necesita el informe para mañana. — The boss needs the report for tomorrow.
the desk
Siempre tengo una foto de mi familia en mi escritorio. — I always have a photo of my family on my desk.
the chair
Esta silla no es muy cómoda para trabajar todo el día. — This chair isn't very comfortable for working all day.
the computer (LatAm)
Mi computadora es nueva, pero es un poco lenta. En España le dicen 'ordenador'. — My computer is new, but it's a little slow. In Spain they call it 'ordenador'.
the screen, the monitor
Necesito una pantalla más grande para ver bien los números. — I need a bigger screen to see the numbers well.
the email
Te envié el documento por correo electrónico. También se dice 'email'. — I sent you the document by email. You can also say 'email'.
the document
Por favor, revisa este documento antes de la reunión. — Please, review this document before the meeting.
the file
No encuentro el archivo que guardé ayer. — I can't find the file that I saved yesterday.
the meeting
La reunión de equipo es todos los lunes a las 10. — The team meeting is every Monday at 10.
to work
Me gusta trabajar con mi equipo. — I like to work with my team.
to write
Necesito escribir un correo a todos los empleados. — I need to write an email to all the employees.
to send
¿Ya enviaste la propuesta al cliente? — Did you already send the proposal to the client?
to print
Voy a imprimir dos copias del documento. — I'm going to print two copies of the document.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
the keyboard
Se me cayó café en el teclado y ahora no funciona. — I spilled coffee on the keyboard and now it doesn't work.
the mouse (computer)
Prefiero usar un ratón inalámbrico. — I prefer to use a wireless mouse.
the telephone
El teléfono de la oficina está sonando. — The office telephone is ringing.
the cell phone (LatAm)
Recibí un mensaje importante en mi celular. En España es más común decir 'móvil'. — I received an important message on my cell phone. In Spain it's more common to say 'móvil'.
the pen
¿Me prestas un bolígrafo? Necesito firmar esto. — Can you lend me a pen? I need to sign this.
the paper
No queda más papel en la impresora. — There is no more paper in the printer.
the printer
La impresora no tiene tinta negra. — The printer doesn't have black ink.
the meeting room
La sala de reuniones está ocupada ahora. — The meeting room is occupied now.
the call
Tuve una llamada importante con un cliente. — I had an important call with a client.
the report
Tengo que terminar el informe de ventas para el viernes. — I have to finish the sales report for Friday.
the project
Estamos trabajando en un proyecto nuevo muy interesante. — We are working on a very interesting new project.
the task
Mi primera tarea del día es responder correos. — My first task of the day is to answer emails.
the deadline
La fecha límite para entregar el proyecto es el próximo mes. — The deadline to turn in the project is next month.
to call
Tengo que llamar a un proveedor por la tarde. — I have to call a supplier in the afternoon.
to have a meeting
Mañana vamos a tener una reunión a las 10 de la mañana. — Tomorrow we are going to have a meeting at 10 in the morning.