relación
/re-la-SYON/
relationship
This image illustrates the abstract concept of a connection or link between two separate things.
relación(Noun)
relationship
?a connection between people, things, or ideas
connection
?a link or association
,link
?a direct correlation
📝 In Action
No veo la relación entre las dos cosas.
A2I don't see the relationship between the two things.
Existe una fuerte relación entre la dieta y la salud.
B1A strong connection exists between diet and health.
Este tema no tiene relación con la clase de hoy.
B1This topic has no relation to today's class.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine: 'La Relación'
Words ending in '-ción' are almost always feminine in Spanish. So, it's always 'la relación' (the relationship) or 'una relación' (a relationship).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Relación' vs. 'Pariente'
Mistake: "Quiero visitar a mi relación en España."
Correction: Quiero visitar a mi pariente en España. Use 'pariente' for a person (a relative) and 'relación' for the connection between people.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Super Useful Phrase: 'tener relación con'
This is a great way to say 'to have to do with'. For example, 'Tu pregunta no tiene relación con el tema' means 'Your question has nothing to do with the topic'.
The bond between two people, whether romantic or social, is a common meaning of relación.
relación(Noun)
relationship
?romantic or social involvement
affair
?a romantic or sexual relationship, sometimes secret
📝 In Action
Ellos tienen una relación muy bonita.
A2They have a very beautiful relationship.
Mi relación con mis hermanos es excelente.
B1My relationship with my siblings is excellent.
Decidieron terminar su relación de cinco años.
B1They decided to end their five-year relationship.
⭐ Usage Tips
Beyond Romance
While often used for couples, 'relación' works for any interpersonal connection: 'la relación entre jefe y empleado' (the relationship between a boss and employee) or 'la relación con mis vecinos' (the relationship with my neighbors).
In formal contexts, relación refers to a detailed report, account, or official list of facts.
relación(Noun)
account
?a narrative or report of events
report
?an official statement of facts
,list
?an official or formal list
📝 In Action
El testigo hizo una detallada relación de los hechos.
B2The witness gave a detailed account of the events.
Por favor, prepárame una relación de los gastos del mes.
B2Please prepare me a list of this month's expenses.
El capitán entregó al almirante una relación de los daños sufridos por el barco.
C1The captain gave the admiral a report of the damages sustained by the ship.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Lista' vs. 'Relación'
For everyday lists like a shopping list, use 'lista'. Use 'relación' when you mean a more formal or official list, like a list of members, expenses, or inventory.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: relación
Question 1 of 1
Your boss asks you for 'una relación de los nuevos proyectos'. What does she want?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'relación' and 'pariente'?
'Pariente' is a person—your relative or family member (e.g., 'Mi tío es mi pariente'). 'Relación' is the connection or bond you have with people (e.g., 'Tengo una buena relación con mi tío'). You have a 'relación' with a 'pariente'.
How do I say 'to be in a relationship'?
You can say 'tener una relación' (to have a relationship) or 'estar en una relación' (to be in a relationship). Both are very common. For example, 'Estamos en una relación seria' means 'We are in a serious relationship'.