trata

/tra-ta/

NounfB2

trafficking?illegal trade, especially of people

Also:trade?specifically the slave trade

📝 In Action

La trata de personas es un crimen horrible.

Human trafficking is a horrible crime.

Hay leyes estrictas contra la trata de animales exóticos.

There are strict laws against the trafficking of exotic animals.

La historia de la trata de esclavos es una parte oscura del pasado.

The history of the slave trade is a dark part of the past.

Word Connections

Synonyms

tráfico (trafficking, traffic)

Common Collocations

la trata de personas – human trafficking
la trata de blancas – sex trafficking (an older, now less-used term)
la trata de esclavos – the slave trade

⭐ Usage Tips

A Very Specific and Serious Word

When you see 'la trata', think 'illegal trade'. This word almost always refers to something very serious and negative, like human trafficking or the slave trade. It's not used for normal, legal business.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: trata

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'trata' to mean illegal trafficking?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

tratar(to treat, to try) - verb

trato(deal, agreement, treatment) - noun

tratamiento(treatment (medical, etc.)) - noun

tratado(treaty, treatise) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'trato' and 'trata'?

'Trata' is either a verb form ('he/she treats') or the noun for illegal trafficking ('la trata'). 'Trato' is a different noun meaning 'a deal' or 'treatment' (the way you are treated). For example, 'Hicimos un trato' (We made a deal) and 'Me dio un buen trato' (He gave me good treatment).

Is 'la trata' always a bad thing?

Yes, when used as a noun, 'la trata' has a very strong negative meaning. It refers to serious crimes like human trafficking, the slave trade, or animal trafficking. It's not used for regular, legal business.