Inklingo

How to Say "agreement" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “agreement” is “acuerdo” — use 'acuerdo' for a general understanding or a formal agreement reached between parties, often implying a resolution of differences..

acuerdo🔊A2

Use 'acuerdo' for a general understanding or a formal agreement reached between parties, often implying a resolution of differences.

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contrato🔊A1

Use 'contrato' when referring to a formal, legally binding agreement, typically written and signed, such as an employment contract or lease.

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trato🔊A2

Use 'trato' for a more informal deal or mutual understanding, often implying a promise or a reciprocal arrangement.

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arreglo🔊B1

Choose 'arreglo' when referring to a compromise or a specific arrangement made to resolve a dispute or problem, often with a business or legal context.

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pacto🔊B1

Use 'pacto' for a formal agreement or covenant between groups or nations, often implying a strong commitment or alliance.

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consentimiento🔊B1

Use 'consentimiento' specifically for consent or permission, the act of agreeing to something after being asked or informed.

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coincidencia🔊B2

Use 'coincidencia' when there is an agreement in opinions, facts, or circumstances, highlighting similarity or concurrence.

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concierto🔊B2

Use 'concierto' to describe mutual understanding and accord, often implying coordinated action towards a common goal.

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English → Spanish

acuerdo

/ah-KWEHR-doh//aˈkweɾ.ðo/

nounA2general
Use 'acuerdo' for a general understanding or a formal agreement reached between parties, often implying a resolution of differences.
Two people shaking hands over a desk with a signed paper, symbolizing a friendly deal or agreement.

Examples

Finalmente, llegaron a un acuerdo.

Finally, they reached an agreement.

Estoy de acuerdo contigo.

I agree with you.

El acuerdo de paz fue firmado ayer.

The peace accord was signed yesterday.

The Super-Phrase: 'De acuerdo'

Think of 'de acuerdo' as a single block that means 'okay' or 'in agreement'. You use it with the verb 'estar', not 'ser'. For example, 'Estamos de acuerdo' (We agree).

'un acuerdo' vs. 'de acuerdo'

Mistake: “Using them interchangeably. For example, saying 'Soy un acuerdo' to mean 'I agree'.”

Correction: Use 'un acuerdo' when talking about the agreement itself (a thing): 'Tenemos un acuerdo' (We have a deal). Use 'de acuerdo' to say you agree: 'Estoy de acuerdo' (I agree).

contrato

kon-TRAH-toh/konˈtɾa.to/

nounA1general
Use 'contrato' when referring to a formal, legally binding agreement, typically written and signed, such as an employment contract or lease.
Two professional cartoon figures shaking hands firmly over a thick document tied with a red ribbon on a wooden table, symbolizing a formal agreement.

Examples

Necesito firmar el contrato antes de empezar a trabajar.

I need to sign the contract before starting work.

El contrato de alquiler dura un año.

The rental agreement lasts one year.

Asegúrate de leer todas las cláusulas del contrato.

Make sure you read all the clauses of the contract.

Gender and Articles

Since 'contrato' is masculine, you must always use the masculine articles: 'el contrato' (the contract) or 'un contrato' (a contract).

trato

/TRAH-toh//ˈtɾa.to/

nounA2general
Use 'trato' for a more informal deal or mutual understanding, often implying a promise or a reciprocal arrangement.
Two figures shaking hands firmly over a small table, symbolizing a sealed agreement or deal.

Examples

Tenemos un trato. No le diré a nadie.

We have a deal. I won't tell anyone.

Cerraron el trato con un apretón de manos.

They sealed the deal with a handshake.

Parte del trato es que tú laves los platos.

Part of the agreement is that you wash the dishes.

arreglo

/ah-rreh-glo//aˈrreɣlo/

nounB1general
Choose 'arreglo' when referring to a compromise or a specific arrangement made to resolve a dispute or problem, often with a business or legal context.
Two stylized figures shaking hands firmly across a table, symbolizing an agreement or plan.

Examples

Finalmente, llegaron a un arreglo con la compañía de seguros.

Finally, they reached an agreement with the insurance company.

Necesitamos hacer un arreglo para que todos podamos usar el coche.

We need to make an arrangement so that we can all use the car.

Preposition Use

When talking about reaching a deal, use the verb 'llegar' followed by the preposition 'a': 'llegar a un arreglo'.

pacto

PAK-toh/ˈpakto/

nounB1formal
Use 'pacto' for a formal agreement or covenant between groups or nations, often implying a strong commitment or alliance.
A colorful illustration depicting two stylized hands firmly grasping each other in a handshake, symbolizing a formal agreement or pact.

Examples

Los dos países firmaron un pacto de no agresión.

The two countries signed a non-aggression pact (agreement).

Llegamos a un pacto para compartir los gastos de la casa.

We reached an agreement to share the household expenses.

Romper el pacto electoral tendrá consecuencias políticas graves.

Breaking the electoral agreement will have serious political consequences.

Gender Check

Remember that 'pacto' is a masculine noun, so it always uses the masculine article: 'el pacto' or 'un pacto'.

Pacto vs. Impacto

Mistake: “Using 'impacto' when you mean 'pacto'.”

Correction: They sound similar, but 'impacto' means 'impact' or 'shock,' while 'pacto' is a formal 'agreement' or 'deal'.

consentimiento

/kon-sen-tee-MYEN-toh//kon.sen.tiˈmjen.to/

nounB1formal
Use 'consentimiento' specifically for consent or permission, the act of agreeing to something after being asked or informed.
Two distinct hands gently meeting in the center, palm-to-palm, symbolizing mutual agreement or consent.

Examples

Necesitas el consentimiento de tus padres para viajar.

You need your parents' consent to travel.

El médico obtuvo el consentimiento escrito del paciente antes de la cirugía.

The doctor obtained the patient's written consent before the surgery.

Su silencio no implica consentimiento.

His silence does not imply agreement/consent.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'consentimiento' is a masculine word, so it always uses 'el' or 'un' (el consentimiento, un consentimiento).

Using 'para' instead of 'de'

Mistake: “El consentimiento para la acción.”

Correction: El consentimiento de la acción. Use 'de' (of/for) to link the consent to the thing being agreed upon.

coincidencia

koh-een-see-DEN-syah/koinsiˈðensja/

nounB2general
Use 'coincidencia' when there is an agreement in opinions, facts, or circumstances, highlighting similarity or concurrence.
Two friendly figures stand side-by-side, both pointing toward a large, shared, brightly colored heart floating between them, symbolizing mutual agreement.

Examples

Existe una total coincidencia entre las declaraciones de los dos testigos.

There is total agreement between the statements of the two witnesses.

La superposición de los gráficos mostró una coincidencia sorprendente.

The superimposition of the graphs showed a surprising congruence.

Talking about Ideas

When talking about ideas matching, use the structure 'coincidencia de [noun]' (agreement of [noun]).

concierto

/kon-syér-to//konˈsjeɾto/

nounB2formal
Use 'concierto' to describe mutual understanding and accord, often implying coordinated action towards a common goal.
Two diverse hands, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned, clasped firmly in a handshake gesture, symbolizing mutual agreement or accord.

Examples

Actuaron de concierto para lograr el objetivo común.

They acted in agreement (or in concert) to achieve the common goal.

La paz requiere un concierto de voluntades entre las naciones.

Peace requires a harmony of wills among the nations.

Después de una larga negociación, llegaron a un concierto satisfactorio.

After a long negotiation, they reached a satisfactory arrangement.

Formal Contexts

This meaning is often found in formal writing, legal documents, or when discussing complex politics and philosophy.

Confusing 'Concierto' and 'Acuerdo'

Mistake: “Using 'concierto' when a simple 'acuerdo' (agreement) would be better in a casual chat.”

Correction: Use 'acuerdo' for everyday agreements. Reserve 'concierto' for deeper, more formal harmony or collective action.

General Agreement vs. Specific Deal

Learners often confuse 'acuerdo' (general understanding) with 'contrato' (formal, binding document) or 'trato' (informal deal). Remember that 'acuerdo' is the most versatile, while 'contrato' implies legal obligation and 'trato' suggests a more casual, often verbal, exchange.

Related Translations

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