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How to Say "dealings" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “dealings” is “negocios” — use this word when referring to commercial interactions, transactions, or the general concept of 'business'..

English → Spanish

negocios

/ne-GO-syos//neˈɣo.sjos/

nounA2general
Use this word when referring to commercial interactions, transactions, or the general concept of 'business'.
Two professional figures shaking hands over a table with a briefcase and coins, symbolizing a business transaction or general commerce.

Examples

Estoy en Colombia por negocios.

I'm in Colombia on business.

El mundo de los negocios cambia muy rápido.

The world of business changes very quickly.

Hacer negocios con ellos es siempre un placer.

Doing business with them is always a pleasure.

Always Plural for the General Idea

When talking about 'business' as a general concept or activity (like in 'on business'), Spanish almost always uses the plural form 'negocios'.

asuntos

/a-SOON-tos//aˈsuntos/

nounB1formal
Choose this term for broader matters, affairs, or issues, often in a diplomatic, political, or general administrative context.
A simple illustration of a professional office desk featuring a closed leather briefcase and several neatly stacked file folders, representing professional business or affairs.

Examples

El Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores viajó a Bruselas.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs traveled to Brussels.

Tengo que ir al banco para arreglar unos asuntos de negocios.

I have to go to the bank to sort out some business matters.

Business vs. Affairs

Mistake: “Using 'asuntos' for a large company name ('Microsoft Business').”

Correction: Use 'negocios' (business/commerce) in contexts where you would use the English word 'business' as a general sector. Use 'asuntos' when referring to the specific 'dealings' or 'matters' of that company.

negociaciones

/neh-go-syah-SYOH-ness//neɣoθjaˈθjones/

nounB1formal
Use this word specifically for formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement, especially in a commercial or political context.
Two people sitting across a wooden table, shaking hands in agreement in a bright room.

Examples

Las negociaciones de paz duraron varios meses.

The peace negotiations lasted several months.

Estamos en plenas negociaciones para comprar la casa.

We are in the middle of negotiations to buy the house.

Las negociaciones se rompieron sin un acuerdo.

The talks broke down without an agreement.

Feminine and Plural

This word is the plural form of 'negociación'. Like almost all words ending in '-ción', it is feminine, so use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

Choosing Between Singular and Plural

Mistake: “Using 'la negociación' to describe a series of meetings.”

Correction: Use 'las negociaciones' when talking about the whole process or the 'talks' as a whole. Use 'la negociación' when referring to the single act of negotiating.

tratos

/TRAH-tohs//ˈtɾatos/

nounB1general
Employ this word when referring to specific interactions, agreements, or dealings with people or organizations, often implying a more personal or direct engagement.
Two business people in suits shaking hands over a wooden table.

Examples

Mi padre es experto en cerrar tratos comerciales.

My father is an expert at closing business deals.

No quiero tener más tratos con esa empresa.

I don't want to have any more dealings with that company.

Making it Plural

This word is simply the plural form of 'trato.' Use it when you are talking about multiple agreements or ongoing interactions.

Tratos vs. Trastos

Mistake: “Using 'tratos' when you mean 'trastos'.”

Correction: Use 'tratos' for deals/treatment, but use 'trastos' for old furniture, junk, or kitchen gadgets.

General vs. Specific Dealings

Learners often confuse 'negocios' and 'asuntos'. Use 'negocios' for commercial activities and 'asuntos' for broader topics or affairs, especially in formal or diplomatic contexts.

Related Translations

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