When should I use 'puesto' vs 'cargo' for jobs?

'Puesto' works for any job or workplace role (cashier, analyst, manager), while 'cargo' is reserved for positions carrying significant authority, responsibility, or official appointment (CEO, minister, director). Think of 'cargo' as positions that come with institutional power, while 'puesto' covers everyday employment.

Can 'posición' mean a viewpoint or stance?

Spanish 'posición' can express an intellectual or political stance, as in 'mi posición sobre este tema es clara' (my position on this topic is clear). This mirrors the English figurative use perfectly and appears regularly in debates, opinion articles, and formal discussions.

How do I say 'job position' on a resume?

On a Spanish resume (curriculum vitae), use 'puesto' for the job title field: 'puesto deseado' (desired position) or 'puesto actual' (current position). The word 'cargo' works for senior roles, while 'puesto' is versatile enough for any level from entry-level to management.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Position in Spanish: Posición

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Posición · noun · poh-see-see-OHN

The word 'position' translates to 'posición' for physical placement, stance, or ranking; 'puesto' for a job position or workplace role; and 'cargo' for an official title or appointed office. Each captures a different aspect of what English covers with the single word 'position.'

poh-see-see-OHN

Cambié de posición en la cama porque me dolía la espalda.

I changed position in bed because my back hurt.

Position in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for position, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
posición	position	poh-see-see-OHN	Default, widely understood
puesto	position		job position
cargo	position		official role/office

How Native Speakers Use Posición

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Physical placement

Los jugadores tomaron su posición en el campo antes del silbato inicial.

The players took their position on the field before the starting whistle.

'Posición' works for physical location and body positioning.

Job vacancy

Hay un puesto disponible en el departamento de marketing desde ayer.

There's been a position available in the marketing department since yesterday.

'Puesto' is the standard word for job positions in employment contexts.

Official role

Aceptó el cargo de directora financiera con gran entusiasmo.

She accepted the position of financial director with great enthusiasm.

'Cargo' implies responsibility and authority in an official title.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Posición

Using posición for jobs

Incorrect: Solicité una posición en la empresa.

Correct: Solicité un puesto en la empresa.

While understood, 'posición' for job openings sounds like an anglicism to most Spanish speakers — 'puesto' is the natural, established word for employment positions in standard Spanish.

Confusing puesto and cargo

Incorrect: Tiene el puesto de presidente de la nación.

Correct: Tiene el cargo de presidente de la nación.

'Cargo' is reserved for high-level official titles with significant authority and responsibility, while 'puesto' covers regular employment roles — a president holds a 'cargo,' not merely a 'puesto.'

Lock in Position Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Posición used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using posición in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Cambié de posición en la cama porque me dolía la espalda. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Position in Spanish

When should I use 'puesto' vs 'cargo' for jobs?: 'Puesto' works for any job or workplace role (cashier, analyst, manager), while 'cargo' is reserved for positions carrying significant authority, responsibility, or official appointment (CEO, minister, director). Think of 'cargo' as positions that come with institutional power, while 'puesto' covers everyday employment.
Can 'posición' mean a viewpoint or stance?: Spanish 'posición' can express an intellectual or political stance, as in 'mi posición sobre este tema es clara' (my position on this topic is clear). This mirrors the English figurative use perfectly and appears regularly in debates, opinion articles, and formal discussions.
How do I say 'job position' on a resume?: On a Spanish resume (curriculum vitae), use 'puesto' for the job title field: 'puesto deseado' (desired position) or 'puesto actual' (current position). The word 'cargo' works for senior roles, while 'puesto' is versatile enough for any level from entry-level to management.