Inklingo

How to Say "contacts" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contactos

kon-TAHK-tohs/konˈtak.tos/

nounA2general
Use 'contactos' when referring to people you know personally or professionally, or for the act of networking.
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 agenda está llena de contactos útiles para mi negocio.

My address book is full of useful contacts for my business.

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.

Shortening 'Lenses'

In Spanish, people often shorten lentes de contacto (contact lenses) just to contactos when the context is clear.

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*).

contactos

kon-TAHK-tohs/konˈtak.tos/

nounB1technical
Use 'contactos' when referring to the physical points where electrical or optical connections are made.
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

Limpia los contactos metálicos del cargador para que funcione mejor.

Clean the metal contacts of the charger so it works better.

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.

Shortening 'Lenses'

In Spanish, people often shorten lentes de contacto (contact lenses) just to contactos when the context is clear.

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*).

conexiones

/koh-nek-SYOH-ness//ko.nekˈsjo.nes/

nounB2professional
Use 'conexiones' specifically for people within a professional or industry network that can help you advance.
An illustration showing four diverse, stylized cartoon people, dressed professionally, standing close together. Faint, dashed white lines conceptually connect the heads of all four people, symbolizing a professional network.

Examples

Aprovechó sus conexiones en el ayuntamiento para agilizar el permiso.

He used his connections in the city hall to speed up the permit.

Gracias a sus conexiones en la industria, consiguió el puesto fácilmente.

Thanks to her contacts in the industry, she got the position easily.

Es importante cultivar buenas conexiones si quieres triunfar en este campo.

It is important to cultivate good connections if you want to succeed in this field.

Figurative Use

When used in the sense of 'contacts' or 'networking,' the word is often preceded by verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'hacer' (to make/build).

Distinguishing 'contactos' from 'conexiones'

Learners often confuse 'contactos' and 'conexiones' when talking about professional relationships. Remember that 'contactos' is broader, referring to anyone you know, while 'conexiones' implies a more strategic, influential network.

Related Translations

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