asunto
“asunto” means “subject” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
subject, topic, matter
Also: theme
📝 In Action
El asunto del correo electrónico era 'Reunión Urgente'.
A2The subject of the email was 'Urgent Meeting'.
Cambiemos de asunto, por favor. No quiero hablar de eso.
B1Let's change the subject, please. I don't want to talk about that.
El asunto principal de la clase de hoy es el medio ambiente.
B1The main topic of today's class is the environment.
issue, business, affair
Also: concern
📝 In Action
Tengo que resolver un asunto personal esta tarde.
B1I have to take care of a personal matter this afternoon.
La falta de agua es un asunto muy grave en esta región.
B2The lack of water is a very serious issue in this region.
No te metas en mis asuntos.
B1Don't meddle in my business/affairs.
affair
Also: fling, relationship
📝 In Action
Se rumorea que el director tiene un asunto con su secretaria.
B2It's rumored that the director is having an affair with his secretary.
Tuvieron un asunto durante el verano, pero no fue nada serio.
C1They had a fling during the summer, but it was nothing serious.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: asunto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'asunto' to mean a romantic affair?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'assumptus', which meant 'taken up' or 'assumed'. Think of an 'asunto' as a topic you 'take up' to discuss or a problem you 'take on' to solve.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'asunto' and 'tema'?
They are very similar, but 'tema' is often used for more official or academic topics, like the theme of a book, a conference, or a work of art. 'Asunto' is more general and can be used for anything from the subject of an email to a personal problem you need to solve. When in doubt, 'asunto' is usually a safe choice.
How do I know if 'asunto' means 'issue' or 'love affair'?
It's all about the context! If someone says 'tengo un asunto' (I have a matter), they mean they have something to do. But if they say 'tengo un asunto con mi jefe' (I have an affair with my boss), the addition of 'con [alguien]' strongly points to the romantic meaning. Pay attention to the surrounding words.