Inklingo

How to Say "agreements" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contratos

/kon-TRA-tos//konˈtɾatos/

nounA2general
Use 'contratos' for general, often legally binding, pacts or deals made between two or more parties, such as business or employment contracts.
Two hands shaking over a paper with a blue wax seal and a fountain pen.

Examples

Tuvimos que revisar los contratos antes de firmar.

We had to review the contracts before signing.

Los contratos de alquiler suelen durar un año.

Rental contracts usually last for one year.

Muchos jugadores terminan sus contratos este verano.

Many players finish their contracts this summer.

Plural Form

This word is the plural form of 'contrato.' To make it plural, we just add an 's' at the end because it ends in a vowel.

Matching the Gender

Since this is a masculine word, any words describing it (like 'the' or 'new') must also be masculine and plural: 'los contratos nuevos' (the new contracts).

Gender Error

Mistake: “las contratos”

Correction: los contratos

tratos

/TRAH-tohs//ˈtɾatos/

nounB1general
Choose 'tratos' for mutual arrangements or dealings, especially in a commercial or informal negotiation context, implying a deal or understanding has been reached.
Two business people in suits shaking hands over a wooden table.

Examples

Mi padre es experto en cerrar tratos comerciales.

My father is an expert at closing business deals.

No quiero tener más tratos con esa empresa.

I don't want to have any more dealings with that company.

Making it Plural

This word is simply the plural form of 'trato.' Use it when you are talking about multiple agreements or ongoing interactions.

Tratos vs. Trastos

Mistake: “Using 'tratos' when you mean 'trastos'.”

Correction: Use 'tratos' for deals/treatment, but use 'trastos' for old furniture, junk, or kitchen gadgets.

conciertos

/kon-SYEHR-tohs//konˈsjeɾtos/

nounB2formal
Use 'conciertos' for more formal, often long-term, pacts or covenants, typically between institutions, regions, or governments, like economic or political agreements.
Two people shaking hands firmly in front of a simple background.

Examples

Los conciertos económicos entre las provincias son vitales.

The economic agreements between the provinces are vital.

Formal Context

When you see 'conciertos' in a newspaper's political section, it likely means a formal deal rather than a music show.

Choosing between 'contratos' and 'tratos'

Learners often confuse 'contratos' and 'tratos'. While both refer to agreements, 'contratos' implies a more formal, often written and legally binding document, whereas 'tratos' suggests a more general arrangement or deal, frequently in business dealings.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.