Description

PTO (Paid Time Off; Tiempo Libre Pagado) refers to employer-provided leave that allows employees to take time away from work while continuing to receive pay. PTO may be used for vacation, illness, personal matters, or other approved absences, depending on company policy.

Interpreter Notes

Interpreters may hear PTO referred to as “PTO,” “tiempo libre pagado,” or “días pagados.” The abbreviation PTO is commonly used in English-speaking workplace and HR settings, while Spanish speakers may alternate between the abbreviation and the full term. Interpreters should render the term exactly as stated by the speaker.

Example Sentences

EN: I need to request PTO for next Friday.

ES: Necesito solicitar tiempo libre pagado para el próximo viernes.

Common Interpreter Mistakes

Using the abbreviation PTO in Spanish when the speaker says tiempo libre pagado; translating PTO as unpaid leave; redefining PTO as vacation or sick leave when the speaker uses the general term.