Inklingo

How to Say "conference" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “conference” is “conferencia” — use 'conferencia' for a formal meeting, discussion, or lecture, especially when it's a scheduled event like a conference call or a presentation.

conferencia🔊B1

Use 'conferencia' for a formal meeting, discussion, or lecture, especially when it's a scheduled event like a conference call or a presentation.

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reuniónA2

Use 'reunión' for a general meeting, which can be formal or informal, large or small. It's a versatile term for any gathering to discuss something.

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congreso🔊B1

Use 'congreso' for a large, formal gathering of people with shared interests, typically professionals or academics, often lasting several days.

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convenciónB1

Use 'convención' for a large professional or industry gathering, often focused on a specific trade, hobby, or interest group.

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cumbre🔊B2

Use 'cumbre' specifically for a high-level, important meeting, usually diplomatic or political, involving leaders or heads of state.

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English → Spanish

conferencia

kon-feh-REN-syahkoɱ.feˈɾen.sja

nounB1formal
Use 'conferencia' for a formal meeting, discussion, or lecture, especially when it's a scheduled event like a conference call or a presentation.
Three people seated around an oval table participating in a formal meeting.

Examples

Tenemos una conferencia telefónica con el equipo de Madrid a las tres.

We have a conference call with the Madrid team at three o'clock.

Los presidentes se reunieron para una conferencia de paz de emergencia.

The presidents met for an emergency peace conference.

Combining Words

When referring to remote meetings, 'conferencia' is often combined with other words like 'telefónica' (telephone) or 'web' (web/video) to specify the type of meeting.

reunión

nounA2general
Use 'reunión' for a general meeting, which can be formal or informal, large or small. It's a versatile term for any gathering to discuss something.

Examples

Tengo una reunión importante a las diez de la mañana.

I have an important meeting at ten in the morning.

congreso

kohn-GREH-sohkoŋˈɡɾeso

nounB1formal
Use 'congreso' for a large, formal gathering of people with shared interests, typically professionals or academics, often lasting several days.
A simple illustration of a large formal meeting. A person stands on a stage behind a microphone addressing a wide audience seated in an auditorium.

Examples

Viajó a Madrid para asistir a un congreso de medicina.

He traveled to Madrid to attend a medical conference.

El próximo congreso internacional se celebrará en junio.

The next international convention will be held in June.

Presentamos nuestra investigación en el congreso anual.

We presented our research at the annual conference.

Using 'a' with Attendance

When talking about attending a conference, use the preposition 'a' (to/at): 'Asistir a un congreso'.

Confusing 'Conference'

Mistake: “Using 'conferencia' when referring to the large, multi-day event.”

Correction: 'Congreso' refers to the big event; 'conferencia' is usually just one speech or lecture within the event.

convención

nounB1professional
Use 'convención' for a large professional or industry gathering, often focused on a specific trade, hobby, or interest group.

Examples

La convención de videojuegos atrajo a miles de fanáticos este año.

The video game convention attracted thousands of fans this year.

cumbre

KOOM-brehˈkumbɾe

nounB2formal, diplomatic
Use 'cumbre' specifically for a high-level, important meeting, usually diplomatic or political, involving leaders or heads of state.
A group of diverse leaders in formal suits sitting around a large round table in a bright room.

Examples

Los presidentes se reunirán en una cumbre climática el próximo mes.

The presidents will meet at a climate summit next month.

La cumbre de paz no logró un acuerdo definitivo.

The peace summit did not achieve a definitive agreement.

Asistirá a la cumbre de tecnología en Madrid.

He will attend the technology summit in Madrid.

Compound Meanings

When 'cumbre' is used for a meeting, it often follows the topic, like 'cumbre económica' (economic summit).

Confusing Meetings

Mistake: “el pico de líderes”

Correction: la cumbre de líderes (use 'cumbre' for official meetings, never 'pico').

General Meetings vs. Specific Conferences

The most common mistake is using a specific term like 'congreso' or 'cumbre' when a general 'reunión' would suffice. Remember that 'reunión' is the broadest term for any kind of meeting, while others denote specific types and scales.

Related Translations

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