Inklingo

How to Say "connections" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conexiones

/koh-nek-SYOH-ness//ko.nekˈsjo.nes/

nounA2general
Use 'conexiones' when referring to physical links, technical links (like internet or phone), or travel links (like flights or trains).
A simple illustration showing two distinct green hills separated by a blue river. They are physically linked by three different colored bridges: red, yellow, and blue.

Examples

Perdimos la señal porque las conexiones de internet son muy débiles aquí.

We lost the signal because the internet connections are very weak here.

El viaje tiene dos conexiones, una en Madrid y otra en Roma.

The trip has two transfers, one in Madrid and one in Rome.

Revisa las conexiones del cable HDMI antes de encender el televisor.

Check the HDMI cable connections before turning on the TV.

Always Feminine Plural

Remember that 'conexiones' is always a plural feminine noun. This means any adjectives describing it must also be plural and feminine, like 'conexiones rápidas' (fast connections).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “Los conexiones”

Correction: Las conexiones. Because the word ends in '-ión' (conexión), it is feminine, so you must use 'las'.

contactos

kon-TAHK-tohs/konˈtak.tos/

nounA2general
Choose 'contactos' when discussing your network of people you know, especially in a professional or social context.
A colorful illustration showing three diverse people standing together and smiling, with one person shaking the hand of another, symbolizing networking and social connections.

Examples

Mi hermana tiene muchos contactos en el mundo de la moda.

My sister has many contacts in the fashion world.

Hacer contactos es fundamental si quieres iniciar tu propio negocio.

Making connections is essential if you want to start your own business.

Revisé mi lista de contactos para ver quién podía ayudarme.

I checked my list of contacts to see who could help me.

Always Plural Masculine

Even though 'contactos' might refer to women, the word itself is masculine and plural. Always use masculine plural articles: los contactos.

Using 'tener' vs. 'hacer'

Mistake: “Hago muchos contactos en mi trabajo. (I make many contacts in my job.)”

Correction: Tengo muchos contactos en mi trabajo. (I *have* many contacts in my job.) You 'make' them (*hacer*), but you usually talk about *having* them (*tener*).

relaciones

re-la-SYO-nes/re.laˈsjo.nes/

nounA2general
Use 'relaciones' to talk about the quality of your interactions and bonds with people, whether professional or personal.
Two stylized figures connected by a bright ribbon, symbolizing an interpersonal relationship.

Examples

Necesito mejorar mis relaciones personales en el trabajo.

I need to improve my personal relationships at work.

Ellos tienen una historia de relaciones complicadas.

They have a history of complicated relationships.

El director tiene muchas relaciones en el mundo financiero.

The director has many connections in the financial world.

Always Plural

When referring to the connection between two or more people, the plural form 'relaciones' is almost always used in Spanish, even when talking about just one relationship, if you mean the connections in general.

Confusing Singular vs. Plural

Mistake: “Using 'relación' when describing one's social life (e.g., 'Tengo buena relación').”

Correction: Use 'Tengo buenas relaciones' (I have good relationships/connections). The singular 'relación' is usually used for abstract things or mathematical concepts.

Conexiones vs. Contactos vs. Relaciones

Learners often confuse 'conexiones' with 'contactos' and 'relaciones'. Remember that 'conexiones' usually refers to links or systems, while 'contactos' refers to people in your network, and 'relaciones' describes the nature of your interactions with those people.

Related Translations

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