Spanish word

vocación

Pronunciation

IPA/bokaˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncalling

Example

Siento vocación por la enseñanza.

I feel a calling to teach.

Illustration for vocación (calling)

More examples

Después de probar varios trabajos, descubrió que su vocación era cuidar a personas mayores.

After trying several jobs, she discovered that her vocation was caring for older adults.

Core concept

Deep inner pull toward work felt as a life mission.

Common phrases

  • tener vocación para

    have an aptitude for

  • seguir su vocación

    pursue one's calling

  • vocación profesional

    professional aptitude

Similar words

trabajo: Everyday labor or tasks performed to earn a living.
empleo: Paid position or job held under an employer.
profesión: Occupation practiced using specialized skills or formal qualifications.

Definition in Spanish

Inclinación profunda hacia una profesión o actividad que se siente como misión personal y que motiva a dedicarle tiempo y esfuerzo.

Word origin

From Latin vocatio 'a calling', from the verb vocare 'to call', originally a religious summons that later broadens to mean a felt mission guiding a career or life activity.

Usage tips

  • Commonly used with tener vocación para/de + profession and in set phrases like 'No tengo vocación para esto' to express lacking the inner disposition rather than merely lacking skill.

Other meanings

  • missionnoun

Related words

  • vocacionalvocationaladjective
  • vocacionalmentevocationallyadverb

Word lists with this word