Guide to Key Spanish Words for Construction
How to communicate with a Spanish-speaking construction crew.
Bradley Hartmann & Company has specialized in developing memorable and brief guides for construction professionals to learn a 2nd language in a way that is directly applicable to their daily work. See our 6-week Construction Spanish class to go deeper with our professional training program, or check out any of Bradley’s books for more help learning Construction Spanish.
In this guide, we will break out a few key chapters from our workbooks and training materials to offer a quick reference guide to fast-track the most important terms and phrases you should know.
Guide Quick Links:
From Chapter 1 of Construction Spanish
Core Terms You Just Gotta Know
Welcome to the essential section of our guide, aptly titled "Core Terms You Just Gotta Know." In the dynamic world of construction, effective communication is key, and understanding basic Spanish terms is invaluable for seamless collaboration on the job site. This section serves as your linguistic compass, offering straightforward translations from Spanish to English for core construction terms. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to brush up on your language skills or a newcomer navigating the construction scene, these fundamental terms will empower you to bridge language gaps and enhance your ability to work harmoniously with Spanish-speaking colleagues in the construction industry.
In the grids below, we’ve identified several “Spanish Twins.” These are words in Spanish that are nearly the same—and often identical—to their counterparts in English. The exciting thing is there are hundreds of Spanish Twins relevant to construction and focusing on them first will greatly speed your language acquisition.
Core Verbs to Know
Mastering the language of construction goes beyond nouns – it involves commanding the core verbs that drive the building process. In this section, we reveal the essential action words, providing concise translations from Spanish to English for the key verbs that are integral to effective communication on any job site.
Scheduling & Days of the Week
In the fast-paced realm of construction, mastering these elements is paramount for orchestrating a seamless workflow. From understanding the days of the week in Spanish to navigating time-related terms, this segment equips you with the linguistic tools needed to efficiently manage construction timelines and synchronize efforts with precision.
Keep in mind the days of the week in Spanish are not capitalized. (Weird, but true.)
Tools of the Trade
From the foundational gadgets that shape every project to the specialized gear that defines each trade, understanding the names and functions of these tools is indispensable. This section serves as your guide to the diverse array of instruments essential for any construction activity, providing a linguistic bridge between English and Spanish to ensure clear communication on the construction site .
Common Construction Tools in Spanish:
From Chapter 2 of Construction Spanish
Core PPE Terms
Now let’s dive into the critical realm of safety with our dedicated section on Core Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). In the construction industry, everyone is responsible for safety, and understanding the essential PPE is necessary. This section equips you with the knowledge to navigate the names and purposes of key protective gear, bridging the language gap between English and Spanish to prioritize safety on every construction site.
Things You need
Terms for Excavation Teams
Unearth the language of excavation in this section dedicated to excavation terms. Whether you're a seasoned excavator or a newcomer to the world of earth-moving, understanding the terminology is crucial for effective communication on the job site. From foundational digging techniques to equipment specifics, this section provides a comprehensive translation guide from Spanish to English, empowering you with the vocabulary necessary to communicate well regardless of the excavation work being done.
Drainage Terms
This section offers translations from Spanish to English for key drainage terms. Whether you're managing stormwater, understanding pipe systems, or implementing proper grading, this guide ensures you have the language skills to navigate drainage projects with confidence.
Foundation
A strong foundation is paramount and comprehending the language associated with foundation work is crucial for success in the construction industry. This section provides a comprehensive guide, offering translations from Spanish to English for key foundation-related terms. Whether you're excavating, pouring footings, or evaluating load-bearing structures, this guide equips you with the vocabulary necessary to communicate effectively and ensure a solid foundation for your project.