trato
“trato” means “deal” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
deal
Also: agreement, pact
📝 In Action
Tenemos un trato. No le diré a nadie.
A2We have a deal. I won't tell anyone.
Cerraron el trato con un apretón de manos.
B1They sealed the deal with a handshake.
Parte del trato es que tú laves los platos.
B1Part of the agreement is that you wash the dishes.
treatment
Also: manner, handling
📝 In Action
El hotel es conocido por su buen trato a los huéspedes.
B1The hotel is known for its good treatment of guests.
No me gusta el trato que me da tu hermano.
B1I don't like the way your brother treats me.
Es una persona de trato fácil y agradable.
B2He is an easy-going and pleasant person (to deal with).
I try, I treat
Also: I handle, I address
📝 In Action
Yo trato de aprender algo nuevo cada día.
A1I try to learn something new every day.
Siempre trato a mis amigos con respeto.
A2I always treat my friends with respect.
Lo trato de 'usted' porque es mi jefe.
B1I address him with the formal 'you' because he is my boss.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "trato" in Spanish:
agreement→attempted→deal→dealt with→handling→i address→i handle→i treat→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: trato
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'I try to be patient'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'tractāre', which meant 'to pull, haul, handle, or manage'. You can see the connection in how 'trato' refers to 'handling' a deal or 'handling' interactions with people.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'trato' and 'tratamiento'?
Think of it this way: 'trato' is usually about how people interact with each other (like customer service or a friendly deal). 'Tratamiento' is more about a formal process or procedure, like a medical treatment, a water treatment plan, or data processing.
Can 'trato' mean 'I deal with'?
Yes, but it's more common to use the verb 'lidiar con' for 'to deal with' a problem. However, you can say 'Yo trato con muchos clientes' to mean 'I deal with many clients' in a business context.