negociar
“negociar” means “to negotiate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to negotiate, to bargain
Also: to discuss terms
📝 In Action
Necesitamos negociar un mejor precio con el proveedor.
B1We need to negotiate a better price with the supplier.
Ellos están negociando la paz después de muchos meses de conflicto.
B2They are negotiating peace after many months of conflict.
Si quieres un descuento, tienes que negociar.
A2If you want a discount, you have to bargain.
to trade, to transact business
Also: to deal in
📝 In Action
La empresa solo negocia con productos orgánicos.
B2The company only trades in organic products.
Históricamente, los comerciantes solían negociar en el puerto.
C1Historically, merchants used to transact business at the port.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: negociar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'negociar' in the sense of 'trading goods' rather than 'discussing terms'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *negotium*, which itself is a combination of *nec* (not) and *otium* (leisure or rest). Therefore, the original meaning was 'not leisure,' meaning 'work' or 'business.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'negociar' always formal?
Not necessarily. While it's common in business and political settings, you can use it informally when bargaining for a price at a market or discussing chores with a family member. It simply means 'to try to reach an agreement.'
What is the difference between 'negociar' and 'regatiar'?
'Negociar' is the general term for discussing terms, which can apply to anything from peace treaties to contracts. 'Regatear' is usually much more specific, referring only to the back-and-forth haggling over a price, often in a marketplace.