asunto
/ah-SOON-toh/
subject
This illustration shows the lightbulb as the central 'asunto' (subject/topic) of the conversation.
asunto(Noun)
subject
?e.g., of an email, a conversation
,topic
?e.g., of a discussion
,matter
?e.g., the main point
theme
?the main idea
📝 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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Sujeto'
Mistake: "Using 'sujeto' for the topic of a conversation. 'Sujeto' usually means a person or the subject of a sentence in grammar."
Correction: For the topic of an email, book, or conversation, always use 'asunto' or 'tema'. For example, 'El asunto de la película es el amor' (The topic of the movie is love).
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Word for 'What It's About'
Think of 'asunto' as the most general and useful word for what something is 'about'. If you're not sure whether to use 'tema' or 'materia', 'asunto' is almost always a safe bet.
The tall pile of folders represents various tasks or problems, illustrating the meaning of 'asunto' as an issue or business matter.
asunto(Noun)
issue
?a problem or situation to be dealt with
,business
?personal tasks or matters to handle
,affair
?in a non-romantic sense, like 'a serious affair'
concern
?something that worries you
📝 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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Negocio'
Mistake: "Using 'negocio' for any kind of 'business' you have to do. 'Negocio' is almost always about commerce or a company."
Correction: If you mean a personal task or issue, use 'asunto'. Say 'Tengo un asunto importante' (I have an important matter), not 'Tengo un negocio importante' unless you're talking about a business deal.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Problems and Tasks
This meaning is perfect for talking about any situation, problem, or task you need to deal with. It can be something small ('un asunto rápido') or something very serious ('un asunto de estado').
When used in this context, 'asunto' refers to a secret romantic affair, visualized by two figures hiding their connection behind a curtain.
asunto(Noun)
affair
?a romantic or sexual relationship, often secret
fling
?a short, casual relationship
,relationship
?used as a soft or indirect way to say it
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Everything
This meaning is completely dependent on context. 'Un asunto de trabajo' is a work matter, but 'un asunto con su compañero de trabajo' strongly suggests a romantic affair. It's often a more discreet or indirect way of talking about a relationship.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: asunto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'asunto' to mean a romantic affair?
📚 More Resources
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.