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"Oficina" is a noun which is often translated as "office", and "despacho" is a noun which is also often translated as "office". Learn more about the difference between "oficina" and "despacho" below.
la oficina(
oh
-
fee
-
see
-
nah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (workplace)
a. office
Quiere reemplazar los estantes y el escritorio de su oficina.She wants to replace the shelves and the desk in her office.
2. (mining)
a. nitrate field
Los científicos quieren extraer nitrato de las oficinas en el norte de Chile.Scientists want to extract nitrate from the nitrate fields in the north of Chile.
el despacho(
dehs
-
pah
-
choh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (workplace)
2. (sending)
a. dispatch
Aquí solo tomamos pedidos; el despacho se efectúa en otro local.We only take orders here; dispatch is handled at another venue.
3. (message)
a. report (journalism)
Y ahora, para un despacho desde Madrid, vamos a Laura López.And now, for a report from Madrid, we go to Laura Lopez.
b. dispatch (military)
Enviaron un despacho al general diciéndole que se retirara.They sent a dispatch to the general telling him to retreat.
c. communiqué
Se envió un despacho al consulado ordenando la evacuación de todo personal.A communiqué was sent to the consulate ordering the evacuation of all personnel.
4. (vending)
a. sale (uncountable)
El despacho de boletos para el evento especial comenzará esta noche.The sale of tickets for the special event will begin tonight.
5. (shop)
a. store
Voy al despacho para comprar leche. Ahora vuelvo.I'm going to the store to buy some milk. I'll be right back.
a. office furniture
Un nuevo despacho mejoraría el ambiente en el área de trabajo.Some new office furniture would improve the ambiance in the workspace.
