contrato
/kon-TRAH-toh/
contract
The noun contrato means "contract" or "formal written agreement."
contrato(noun)
contract
?formal written agreement
agreement
?general deal
,lease
?rental agreement
📝 In Action
Necesito firmar el contrato antes de empezar a trabajar.
A1I need to sign the contract before starting work.
El contrato de alquiler dura un año.
A2The rental agreement lasts one year.
Asegúrate de leer todas las cláusulas del contrato.
B1Make sure you read all the clauses of the contract.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Articles
Since 'contrato' is masculine, you must always use the masculine articles: 'el contrato' (the contract) or 'un contrato' (a contract).
⭐ Usage Tips
Business Context
When talking about getting a job or a deal, 'contrato' is the standard formal term. For a simple verbal agreement, use 'acuerdo'.
The verb form contrato means "I hire" or "I contract."
📝 In Action
Yo contrato a un nuevo diseñador cada mes.
A2I hire a new designer every month.
Contrato estos servicios para la fiesta.
B1I contract these services for the party.
💡 Grammar Points
Focus on the 'Yo' Form
The word 'contrato' is the special form of the verb 'contratar' that we use when 'I' am doing the action: 'Yo contrato' (I hire).
Personal 'A'
When you hire a person, you must use the little word 'a' right before the person's name or title: 'Contrato a María' (I hire María).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contrato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'contrato' as a noun (the object) and not as a verb (the action)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'contrato' and 'acuerdo'?
'Contrato' is typically a formal, written, and legally binding document, usually related to employment, services, or large purchases. 'Acuerdo' is a more general term for any agreement or consensus, often verbal or less formal.