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How to Say "convention" in Spanish

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convención

nounB1formal
Use 'convención' for a large, often formal, gathering of people with shared interests, like a conference or trade show, or for established social customs and norms.

Examples

La convención anual de cómics reunió a miles de aficionados.

The annual comic book convention brought together thousands of fans.

congreso

kohn-GREH-soh/koŋˈɡɾeso/

nounB1formal
Choose 'congreso' specifically for a large, formal meeting or conference, often academic or professional, like a medical or scientific congress.
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

Asistió a un congreso internacional de historia en Buenos Aires.

He attended an international history congress in Buenos Aires.

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.

costumbre

cohs-TOOM-breh/kosˈtum.bɾe/

nounB1
Use 'costumbre' to refer to a long-standing tradition, habit, or social practice that is commonly accepted within a community or culture.
A colorful storybook illustration showing an older woman and a young child sitting at a table, jointly decorating a large, intricately shaped cultural pastry.

Examples

Es la costumbre saludar a los vecinos al cruzarse.

It is the custom to greet neighbors when passing them.

Es una costumbre muy antigua en este pueblo.

It is a very old tradition in this town.

Las costumbres sociales varían mucho entre países.

Social conventions vary greatly between countries.

Como de costumbre, la oficina estaba cerrada a esa hora.

As usual, the office was closed at that time.

Plural Usage

When talking about general societal rules or manners, you often use the plural: 'las costumbres' (the customs/manners).

convención

nounC1formal
Use 'convención' when referring to an international agreement or treaty ratified by countries.

Examples

La convención internacional prohíbe el uso de ciertas armas.

The international convention prohibits the use of certain weapons.

Meeting vs. Custom

Learners often confuse 'convención' and 'costumbre'. Remember that 'convención' can mean a large meeting (like a conference) OR a social norm, while 'costumbre' strictly refers to a tradition or habit within a society.

Related Translations

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