relaciones
/re-la-SYO-nes/
relationships
Visualizing relaciones as the connections and bonds between people (relationships).
relaciones(noun)
relationships
?Interpersonal connections, romantic links
,connections
?Professional or social contacts
sexual relations
?Often used euphemistically
📝 In Action
Necesito mejorar mis relaciones personales en el trabajo.
B1I need to improve my personal relationships at work.
Ellos tienen una historia de relaciones complicadas.
A2They have a history of complicated relationships.
El director tiene muchas relaciones en el mundo financiero.
B2The director has many connections in the financial world.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural
When referring to the connection between two or more people, the plural form 'relaciones' is almost always used in Spanish, even when talking about just one relationship, if you mean the connections in general.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Singular vs. Plural
Mistake: "Using 'relación' when describing one's social life (e.g., 'Tengo buena relación')."
Correction: Use 'Tengo buenas relaciones' (I have good relationships/connections). The singular 'relación' is usually used for abstract things or mathematical concepts.
⭐ Usage Tips
Building Connections
To talk about networking or building connections, you often use the verb 'establecer' (to establish) or 'hacer' (to make): 'hacer buenas relaciones'.
This image shows relaciones in the context of public relations, where communication shapes public perception.
relaciones(noun)
public relations (PR)
?Professional field/department
,affairs
?Government/international diplomacy
communications
?Official context
📝 In Action
Estudió la licenciatura en Relaciones Internacionales.
B2She studied for a degree in International Relations.
El equipo de relaciones públicas manejó la crisis.
B1The public relations team handled the crisis.
Las relaciones exteriores del país mejoraron este año.
C1The country's foreign affairs/relations improved this year.
💡 Grammar Points
Capitalization in Titles
When 'Relaciones' is part of an official department name or degree title (like 'Relaciones Internacionales'), it is often capitalized.
⭐ Usage Tips
Shortening PR
In Spanish, the abbreviation R.R.P.P. is sometimes used for 'Relaciones Públicas', or more commonly just 'RP'.
When used as a verb form, relaciones means 'that you relate or connect' one thing to another.
relaciones(verb)
that you relate/connect
?Used in the subjunctive mood
don't relate/connect (you)
?Used as a negative command
📝 In Action
Te pido que relaciones la teoría con la práctica.
B2I ask that you relate the theory to the practice. (This uses the special verb form.)
No relaciones su actitud con su trabajo.
B2Don't connect his attitude with his job. (This is a negative command.)
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Use
When expressing desire, doubt, or necessity involving the 'tú' form, you must change the verb to 'relaciones' instead of the simple present 'relacionas'. Example: 'Quiero que relaciones' (I want you to connect).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Indicative incorrectly
Mistake: "Using the simple present form: 'Es importante que tú relacionas...'"
Correction: The correct form is 'Es importante que tú relaciones...' because Spanish requires a special verb form (the subjunctive) after expressions of importance or necessity.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: relaciones
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish phrase correctly asks about someone's social network or contacts?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'relaciones' only used for people?
No, while it is most commonly used for people (interpersonal relationships, professional connections), it can also be used for official links between countries ('relaciones internacionales') or even between concepts ('las relaciones entre la economía y la política').