Inklingo

How to Say "contact" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “contact” is “contacto” — use this general term when referring to a connection, a way to communicate, or a person who can provide information or access, especially in a professional or networking context..

English → Spanish

contacto

/kon-TAK-toh//konˈtak.to/

nounA2general
Use this general term when referring to a connection, a way to communicate, or a person who can provide information or access, especially in a professional or networking context.
Two stylized cartoon hands, one blue and one yellow, reaching from opposite sides of the frame and lightly touching fingertips in the center, illustrating connection.

Examples

Tengo un buen contacto en la empresa que te puede ayudar.

I have a good contact at the company who can help you.

Hemos perdido el contacto con los años.

We've lost contact over the years.

Evita el contacto directo del sol con tu piel.

Avoid direct contact of the sun with your skin.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', it's good to remember that 'contacto' is always a masculine noun. So, you'll always say 'el contacto' or 'un contacto'.

Using 'contacto' as a Verb

Mistake: “Quiero contacto contigo mañana.”

Correction: Quiero ponerme en contacto contigo mañana. The noun 'contacto' needs a verb like 'ponerse en' (to put oneself in) or 'tener' (to have) to show action.

comunicación

nounA1general
Choose this word when the focus is on the act or process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings, emphasizing the connection or dialogue between people.

Examples

La comunicación es clave para una buena relación.

Communication is key for a good relationship.

conocido

/ko-no-SEE-do//konoˈsido/

nounB1general
Use this term specifically for a person you know, but who is not a close friend or family member, often implying a more formal or distant acquaintance.
Two people in casual clothes passing each other on the street and giving a quick, polite wave, signifying a casual relationship.

Examples

No es mi amigo, es solo un conocido.

He's not my friend, just an acquaintance.

Tengo muchos conocidos en la industria de la música.

I have many acquaintances/contacts in the music industry.

Me encontré con una vieja conocida en el supermercado.

I ran into an old (female) acquaintance at the supermarket.

Male vs. Female Acquaintances

When talking about an acquaintance, the word changes based on their gender. Use 'un conocido' for a man and 'una conocida' for a woman.

Friend vs. Acquaintance

Mistake: “Mi conocido Juan viene a la fiesta.”

Correction: Mi amigo Juan viene a la fiesta. Using 'conocido' here sounds a bit distant. In Spanish, it clearly means you don't know the person well, so use 'amigo' for actual friends.

Contacto vs. Conocido

Learners often use 'conocido' when they mean a professional contact or source of information. Remember, 'conocido' refers to a person you know, while 'contacto' can be a person or the connection itself.

Related Translations

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