negocios
/ne-GO-syos/
business
Negocios refers to business as the general activity of commerce or trade.
negocios(Noun)
business
?The general activity of commerce or trade
dealings
?Commercial interactions
📝 In Action
Estoy en Colombia por negocios.
A2I'm in Colombia on business.
El mundo de los negocios cambia muy rápido.
B1The world of business changes very quickly.
Hacer negocios con ellos es siempre un placer.
B1Doing business with them is always a pleasure.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural for the General Idea
When talking about 'business' as a general concept or activity (like in 'on business'), Spanish almost always uses the plural form 'negocios'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Key Phrase: 'por negocios'
If you travel for work, the phrase 'por negocios' (on business) is essential. It's the standard answer to '¿Por qué estás aquí?' (Why are you here?).
When used in the plural, negocios can refer to multiple commercial establishments or stores.
negocios(Noun)
businesses
?Multiple companies, stores, or enterprises
stores
?Shops or commercial establishments
,deals
?Specific commercial transactions
📝 In Action
Mis tíos tienen varios negocios en el centro de la ciudad.
B1My aunt and uncle have several businesses in the city center.
La crisis afectó a los pequeños negocios.
B1The crisis affected small businesses.
Hemos cerrado dos negocios importantes esta semana.
B2We have closed two important deals this week.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Singular vs. Plural
Mistake: "Using the English logic: 'He has a lot of business'."
Correction: In Spanish, if you mean multiple companies or deals, you must use the plural: 'Él tiene muchos negocios'. The singular 'negocio' refers to just one.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Negocio' vs. 'Empresa'
Think of 'negocio' as a general term that can mean anything from a small corner store to a big deal. 'Empresa' usually refers to a more formal, structured company.
Informally, negocios can refer to personal matters or private affairs, often implying secrecy.
negocios(Noun)
affairs
?Personal matters or dealings
business
?As in 'mind your own business'
,schemes
?Often with a slightly negative or secretive feel
📝 In Action
No te metas en mis negocios, por favor.
B2Don't get involved in my affairs, please.
Se rumorea que tiene negocios turbios con el gobierno.
C1It's rumored that he has shady dealings with the government.
⭐ Usage Tips
Watch the Tone
This meaning of 'negocios' often implies something private, complicated, or even a bit suspicious. It's the kind of 'business' you don't want other people asking about.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: negocios
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'negocios' to mean personal matters or affairs?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'negocios' and 'empresa'?
Great question! 'Empresa' specifically means a company or firm, usually a formal organization. 'Negocios' is a much broader term. It can mean the general activity of 'business' ('viaje de negocios'), multiple companies ('tiene varios negocios'), or specific deals ('cerramos dos negocios'). A small shop is more likely to be called a 'negocio' than an 'empresa'.
Why is it 'negocios' (plural) when I mean 'business' (singular) in English?
This is a common point of confusion! When English uses 'business' as a big, uncountable idea (like in 'the world of business' or 'I'm here on business'), Spanish uses the plural form 'negocios'. Think of it as referring to all the 'business activities' or 'dealings' involved.